Discrete Element Modelling of VACUUMATICS

Vacuumatics consist of independent particles inside an airtight enclosed membrane, that are prestressed due to a difference in (air) pressure. Analytical and numerical research of vacuum prestressing has illustrated that the effective prestressing forces can be divided into two interrelated prestressing components. Due to the granular characteristics of Vacuumatics, the material behaviour can be modelled by means of the Discrete Element Method (DEM). The individual prestressing components acting on the edge particles of vacuumatic structures can be simulated by means of a specialised Atmospheric Pressure Model in HADES (by Habanera). Analytically defined equations form the basic input in this simulation process. These simulations enable us to analyse (visually as well as numerically) the prestressing forces, but also the contact forces and the displacements of each particle due to this vacuum prestressing. Furthermore, bending phenomena of beam-shaped Vacuumatics can be analysed in detail, providing us with insight to describe and predict the structural properties of any type of vacuumatic structure.