Modeling the dynamics of large diameter doubly curved shells made from thin-films

In this paper, the derivation of a relatively straightforward set of equations to predict the basic structural dynamic behavior of thin-film single surface shells was reviewed. These analytical results were shown to be close to numerical results for a variety of configurations with a variety of numerical modeling packages. The dynamic behavior of single surface thin-film shells of realistic size and shape are primarily dominated by the shell terms. Fundamental modes, while sensitive to boundary conditions are expected to be relatively high given the flimsy nature of the base material. Once modal dynamics start, mode density is predicted to be dense and frequency separation between modes minimal. These general conclusions were independently confirmed with multiple different finite element packages including NASTRAN, STAGS, and ANSYS.