Virtual Simulation Of Shape Generation Of Homeostatic Shell Models

Abstract

This paper deals with the shape generation of structural shells within the field of
Conceptual Design. A virtual simulation of previous experiments on physical “homeostatic”
models, carried out by other authors, is herein presented. The physical experiments were
based on the biological principle of “Homeostasis”: when an external agent attacks the
structure, the latter defends itself intelligently to recover its bearing capacity. Heat is the
external agent used to cause the model material degradation. Thus the model adopts a more
appropriate structural shape in order to continue resisting loads. The virtual simulation is
performed using a finite element software with a thermal elasto-plastic material model. In
particular, Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) is considered. Comparisons between the shapes
found with the physical and virtual experiments are presented. Additionally, the obtained
geometry is employed as the shape of a concrete shell and a stress analysis is presented. A
quasi-membranal behavior is shown.