Design Analysis of Cable Networks

Abstract

Design analysis of cable networks is presented by converting nonlinear structural analysis into nonlinear programming problems with a systematic classification of networks. Since cable networks are flexible, shapes under different loading conditions can be very different, and considering only the major loading, may not be sufficient for design. Optimization is, thus, made under multiple loading conditions with a variety of important optimization criteria that cannot be considered by the existing methods. To check the feasibility of determinate and indeterminate networks for the proposed shape and the major loading condition, equilibrium equations at nodes are pertinent. For design purposes, this formulation seems much superior to ordinary structural analysis. A few numerical examples are solved to demonstrate the proposed formulation.