Model analysis of inflated curved beam considering pressure follower force effect

The inflated curved beam is essential in many scientific and technological applications due to its ultra-lightweight and high packaging efficiency. Based on the virtual work principle, the vibration differential equations of the inflated curved beam considering the pressure follower force effect were deduced. Then, an improved model considering the pressure follower force effect were proposed for an inflated curved beam’s in-plane and out-plane vibration. The calculated results from the proposed model agreed strongly with the finite membrane element model. Finally, the pressure follower force effects and the influence of the initial curvature of inflated curved beams on the natural frequencies are discussed.