Der CAD-integrierte parametrische Entwurfsprozess von Membrantragwerken

The CAD-integrated parametric design process of membrane structures. The design of membrane structures entails three strongly linked and often very interactive disciplines: formfinding, structural analysis and cutting pattern generation. Powerful numerical tools and environments are needed for the design of a viable membrane structure while consistently performing the necessary analyses. CAD-integrated analysis allows for the performance of these highly non-linear analyses within the CAD environment. This leads to an optimal geometry description for the analysis model, since it is modeled with smooth NURBS curves and surfaces. Furthermore, the links between analysis steps can be modeled ideally within the CAD framework that contains both pre- and postprocessing. A formfound geometry can e. g. directly be used for consecutive analyses. The basis for this is Isogeometric B-Rep Analysis (IBRA), which will be explained briefly in this paper. In the isogeometric method, NURBS are used for the basis functions of Finite Element Method as well as the geometry description. The parametrization of geometric and mechanical properties enables the fully integrated performance of formfinding, structural analysis and patterning based on a common numerical model. The consideration of nearly infinite configurations of one model is thus provided with a minimum of effort. This article presents an overview of current methods and advantages of the parametric CAD-integrated design cycle. The plugin Kiwi!3D for Rhino and Grasshopper is used for the demonstration and the mechanical basis of all design steps will be laid out. The textile roofs of the Cologne Tanzbrunnen serve as exemplary structures.