Computer Cutting Pattern Generation of Membrane Structures

This paper sets out a simple design procedure for generating the cutting patterns of a membrane surface which can then be used for a variety of purposes, including fabric of tension surface. It does this by pre-defining the requirements of the cutting pattern which is set out by the designer on an initially flat surface. A cable net is used for the approximating surface and the cables approximate the warp and weft directions of the fabric (see our previous paper on shape generation). The present work designs the procedure and gives examples of results of the shape finding of a surface with a number of different cutting patterns. An example of a compression membrane surface is also given.