Folded orthotropic tape-springs

Abstract

We consider the large-displacement, elastic folding of orthotropic tape-springs—thin-walled curved strips made from metal and from a woven laminated composite. Bending of the strips leads to a tight localised fold with a characteristic radius, connected on both sides to straight parts by doubly-curved transition, or ploy, regions. We calculate the shapes of these consistent features for a range of orthotropic parameters using geometrically non-linear, compact models. This study is our initial foray into the performance of tape-springs as safety latching mechanisms for aircraft landing gear.