Behavior of Sandwich Panels in a Deployable Structure

This paper investigates the load-bearing capability of sandwich panels (composed of fiber-reinforced polymer faces and a foam core) connected by aluminum hinges in an origami-inspired deployable structure intended for temporary sheltering. The structure is studied (1)during deployment (loaded under self-weight only), and (2)as both individual and combined modules subjected to uniform pressures emulating wind loads. The measured results are used to validate finite element models, with comparisons focusing on surface strains and displacements at panel centers (to study global behavior), as well as surface strains near connections (to study local behavior). The validated numerical models are used to perform parametric studies investigating design decisions for (1)deployment, including panel reinforcement, location of lifting equipment, and size of lifting equipment, and (2)combined modules, including restraints and connections between modules, gasketing between panels, and panel reinforcement. This research ultimately demonstrates the load-bearing capability of deployable structures composed of hinged sandwich panels and provides design guidelines and recommendations.