Exploration of the Mechanical Properties of both Ridged and Inflated Drop Stitch Fabric Material

<p>The mechanical properties of drop stitch fabric materials in tension and shear has been investigated for use in designing structural applications such as ship construction, modular buildings, inflatable structures, aquatic vehicles, sporting goods and temporary field equipment installations. The goal of testing is to improve the understanding of the mechanical properties, which can aid in application development for structural deployments using these unique materials. The benefits of using rigid drop stitch fabric panels in ship and building construction are their light weight and rigidity. The epoxy resin infused fabric is corrosion and degradation resistant while providing a more robust resistance to loads and damage in hazardous environments. Inflatable drop stitch fabric materials can form rigid shapes that resist bending and bowing better than those utilizing standard fabric materials. The inflated drop stitch panels can be highly pressurized to allow for greater load capacities and higher resistance to flexing. The greatest benefit of using inflatable structures over rigid ones is their inherent portability which can greatly reduce setup times and transportation needs in rugged environments and over difficult terrain. These materials can be used to replace rigid structural elements in applications that were previously thought impossible for an inflatable design. The many benefits of using drop stitch fabric materials has spurred a great interest in better understanding how to best utilize their unique properties.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Engineering (M.E.)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Year dc:date.available

2015

Author dc:creator

• Felicissimo, Roberto

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ali Sadegh
• Feridum Delale

• Drop stitch
• Shear test
• Inflatable
• Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering

Repository record dc:identifier

https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cc_etds_theses/688

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:academicworks.cuny.edu:cc_etds_theses-1687