Conformable pressurized structures

This dissertation provides understanding in the analysis and structural design of conformable pressurized structures. Conformable pressurized structures are based on intersecting axi-symmetric membrane elements that have additional reinforcements at the surface of intersection. These structures are therefore denoted as multi-bubble - or multi-lobe-structures. Similar as a cluster of soap-bubbles, multi-bubbles offer substantial spatial freedom and the structural efficiency can be high due to the fact that the pressurization loads are carried via in-plane stresses. Applications for conformable pressurized structures are found in pressure cabins and pressure tanks for incompressible media such as LPG and cryogenic applications. In both cases, the conformable structure could provide a better use of space, either internally (pressure cabin), or externally (conformable tank) due to the geometric constraints that are subjected to the system where the tank is mounted in. Other purposes are found for applications for which the shape provides an additional functionality. Inflatable wings for example need to preserve their aerodynamic shape and sustain the pressurization loads.