Generation and Geometric Non-linear Analysis of Scissor-like Foldable Structures

Foldable-deployable structures are often used as emergency and temporary shelters after disasters or earthquakes. in this paper, generation of foldable structures with scissor-like elements is formulated for various shapes with no geometric limitations. non-linear analyses are performed and compared for designing foldable structures. the optimum height to span ratio is obtained for barrel vault type of foldable structures. geometric instability of low height barrel vaults, are also investigated by finding buckling loads.