Research progress of curved plates in China. I: Classification and forming methods

Abstract

This paper expounds the classification, modelling and preparation methods of curved plates in China and emphasises the characteristics and application examples of various forming methods for developing a bionic curved plate. The forming methods of curved plates can be divided into three major categories – stress forming, solidification forming and composite forming. The integrated classification system of a curved plate is given in this paper. Due to the complexity of surface morphology and preparation methods, the creation of a systematic classification of surface plates and their preparation methods remains an area for further study. The characteristics of various stress forming methods are explained, providing a beneficial reference for engineering applications. However, these methods are dependent on the operator's experience and a future research topic is to promote mechanisation, automation and intelligence. Several engineering application examples and the identification of solidification forming are described, which provide a direct reference for buildings with tall and complex curved surfaces. How to develop common and individual technologies for curved plate forming will be the research focus of curved plate forming methods in the future.

Research Progress on Curved Plates in China: Applications in Architecture

“…Rationality and sensibility interweave in this process, and curved surfaces in buildings gradually show excellent expressive roles and practicability in modern architecture. The previous paper [1] provided theoretical classification based on the geometric and mathematical expressions of surfaces, but in this paper, we take actual Chinese curved surface building engineering cases as the research object and sort and compile them into a brand new classification system based on two dimensions, which are the design concept source and the role of curved plates as building elements in architecture (Figure 1, horizontal and vertical axes), as shown in 3 × 4 cases in Figure 1. The idea of the specific classification is as follows.…”

“…As stated in the previous papers' preface [1,18] regarding the research history of curved plates, as early as 1813, Sophie Germain derived the correct expression of the thin plate with flexural vibration. In 1850, Kirchoff presented the important Kirchoff assumption in his paper "Equilibrium and movement of elastic circular plates" [19].…”

“…The curved plate is a combination of function, technology, and image. Its mechanical properties, functions and forms can better meet people's needs for the expected performance, special functions, and aesthetic effects of various products [1,2]. With the development of the global economy, science and technology, and people's pursuit of diversification of industry and life, many more applications of curved surfaces have arisen, for example, architecture [3][4][5], transportation [6][7][8], aerospace [9][10][11], medical devices [12][13][14] and agricultural machinery fields [15][16][17], which cover almost all fields involving physical designs, devices, or objects.…”

“…In the 20th century, Timoshenko published his Plate and Shell Theory [21,22] in 1940. In 1984, Wang et al [1,23] studied the stability and vibration of laminated, sandwiched, and stiffened cylindrical plates. In 1991, Wang et al [24] used the elastic-plastic finite element method considering large strain and took the crack tip opening angle as the fracture criterion to realize the numerical simulation of the entire propagation process, from crack initiation to instability, in a stiffened curved plate under bidirectional loading.…”

“…However, they are mostly displayed in the form of engineering reports that lack systematicity. Therefore, to develop curved plates and their applications in engineering more effectively and accurately, on the basis of previous papers [1,18] that the description, preparation methods, and mechanical properties of curved plates have been reviewed, this paper focuses on improving the application of curved plates in China for building image and physical properties (especially acoustics and optics). Finally, the future development directions of these fields are proposed.…”