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Mechanics of Thin-Walled Structures and Other Lightweight Constructions
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Mechanics of Thin-Walled Structures and Other Lightweight Constructions

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2025 | Viewed by 5730

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Haim Abramovich

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Aerospace Engineering, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
Interests: stability of thin-walled structures; static and dynamic behavior of thin-walled structures; smart structures; piezoelectric materials; shape memory materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The topic for this Special Issue is “Mechanics of Thin-Walled Structures and Other Lightweight Constructions.” Thin-walled and lightweight structures must provide operational demands and safety within a minimal weight. Typical structures would be made of thin load skins’ frames, stiffeners, and spars, all made of high strength and stiffness materials to comply with the desired minimal weight criteria. Although the topic was extensively presented in the literature, new and innovative studies on non-linear behavior as compared to their linear behavior started to be more and more present.

The present Special Issue aims to provide a new platform for recent studies on the structural behavior of thin-walled and lightweight structures in their linear and non-linear regimes.

These studies can present those structures' static and dynamic behavior, highlighting new numerical methods, finite element solutions, and experimental results.

Prof. Dr. Haim Abramovich
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • thin-wall structures
  • lightweight construction
  • sandwich panels
  • fiber-reinforced polymer composite
  • beams
  • plates
  • panels
  • numerical analysis
  • experiments
  • displacements
  • stresses
  • boundary conditions
  • linear behavior
  • non-linear behavior

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 20993 KiB  
Article
Experimental Structural Template on Tensegrity and Textile Architecture Integrating Physical and Digital Approaches
by Zhiyuan Zhang, Salvatore Viscuso, Alessandra Zanelli and Jinghan Chen
Materials 2025, 18(8), 1721; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18081721 - 9 Apr 2025
Viewed by 267
Abstract
The construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, driving the need for sustainable solutions. Ultra-lightweight structures have emerged as an effective approach to reducing material usage and energy consumption. This study explores the potential of ultra-lightweight architectural systems through a [...] Read more.
The construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, driving the need for sustainable solutions. Ultra-lightweight structures have emerged as an effective approach to reducing material usage and energy consumption. This study explores the potential of ultra-lightweight architectural systems through a learning-by-doing methodology, integrating innovative composite materials, PolRe, and knitting techniques to enhance tensegrity structures for sustainable, deployable, and efficient structural designs. Combining physical modeling, inspired by Frei Otto and Heinz Isler, with digital simulations using Kangaroo 2 and Python, this research employs form-finding and finite element analysis to validate structural performance. A 1:5 scale prototype was constructed using a manual knitting machine adapted from traditional knitting techniques. The integration of elastic meshes and rigid joints produced modular tensegrity systems that balance tension and compression, creating reversible, deployable, and material-efficient solutions. This study bridges conceptual aesthetics with structural efficiency, providing a template for sustainable, ultra-lightweight, textile-based structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanics of Thin-Walled Structures and Other Lightweight Constructions)
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14 pages, 4036 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis and Dynamic Size Optimization of Aluminum and Carbon Fiber Thin-Walled Structures of a Railway Vehicle Car Body
by Alessio Cascino, Enrico Meli and Andrea Rindi
Materials 2025, 18(7), 1501; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18071501 - 27 Mar 2025
Viewed by 234
Abstract
In the context of modern railway engineering, the demand for lighter and more reliable vehicles has become a key objective for rolling stock manufacturers. Reducing energy consumption and minimizing environmental impact are driving the adoption of advanced materials and innovative design methodologies. This [...] Read more.
In the context of modern railway engineering, the demand for lighter and more reliable vehicles has become a key objective for rolling stock manufacturers. Reducing energy consumption and minimizing environmental impact are driving the adoption of advanced materials and innovative design methodologies. This research activity focuses on a comparative analysis between aluminum and carbon fiber thin-walled structures used in railway vehicle car bodies. A high-fidelity finite element model (FEM) of a complete railway vehicle was developed to evaluate structural performance in compliance with European standards. Gaining deeper insights, one of the car body structures was isolated for a detailed dynamic analysis, enabling a comparative evaluation of the two materials. A structural dynamic size optimization process was applied to specific key components, aiming to maximize mass savings while maintaining mechanical integrity. The results exhibited an increase of approximately 10% in the first 10 car body eigenvalues, despite a mass reduction per unit of volume exceeding 30%, while largely preserving the nature of the eigenvectors. From a static perspective, both materials demonstrated good performance, with percentage differences below 20%. The optimization process highlighted significant potential for weight reduction in the analyzed structures. The findings highlight the critical role of optimization processes in streamlining design choices for lightweight structures. Moreover, they underscore the significant potential of high-performance carbon fiber materials in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of railway vehicles. This study provides valuable insights for future research and practical applications in the field of lightweight railway vehicle design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanics of Thin-Walled Structures and Other Lightweight Constructions)
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20 pages, 4590 KiB  
Article
Computationally Efficient p-Version Finite Element Analysis of Composite-Reinforced Thin-Walled Cylindrical Shells with Circumferential Cracks
by Jae S. Ahn
Materials 2025, 18(7), 1404; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18071404 - 21 Mar 2025
Viewed by 236
Abstract
Cylindrical shells are extensively employed in fluid transport, pressure vessels, and aerospace structures, where they endure mechanical and environmental stresses. However, under high pressure or external loading, circumferential cracks may develop, threatening structural integrity. Composite patch reinforcement is an effective method to mitigate [...] Read more.
Cylindrical shells are extensively employed in fluid transport, pressure vessels, and aerospace structures, where they endure mechanical and environmental stresses. However, under high pressure or external loading, circumferential cracks may develop, threatening structural integrity. Composite patch reinforcement is an effective method to mitigate crack propagation and restore structural performance. This study presents a finite element model using p-refinement techniques to analyze cylindrical shells with circumferential cracks reinforced by composite patches. The approach integrates equivalent single-layer (ESL) and layer-wise (LW) theories within a unified single-element mesh, significantly reducing the degrees of freedom compared to conventional LW models. Fracture analysis is conducted using the virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) to evaluate stress intensity factors. The model’s accuracy and efficiency are verified through benchmark and patch reinforcement simulations. Additionally, a parametric study examines how patch material, thickness, and adhesive properties affect reinforcement efficiency across varying crack angles. This study provides an effective methodology for analyzing composite-reinforced thin-walled cylindrical shells, offering valuable insights for aerospace, marine, and pipeline engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanics of Thin-Walled Structures and Other Lightweight Constructions)
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39 pages, 13329 KiB  
Article
Large Deflection Analysis of Bimodular Functionally Graded Truncated Thin Conical Shells Under Mechanical and Thermal Loads
by Xiao-Ting He, Ming-Wei Luo, He-Hao Feng and Jun-Yi Sun
Materials 2025, 18(2), 362; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18020362 - 14 Jan 2025
Viewed by 809
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to analyze the large deflection problem of bimodular functionally graded truncated thin conical shells under the transverse mechanical load and non-uniform thermal load, in which two different boundary constraints of the truncated shell with two ends simply [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study is to analyze the large deflection problem of bimodular functionally graded truncated thin conical shells under the transverse mechanical load and non-uniform thermal load, in which two different boundary constraints of the truncated shell with two ends simply supported and fully fixed are considered. It is assumed that the temperature distribution along the thickness direction satisfies the Fourier law of heat transfer, and the material properties change exponentially along the thickness direction while different properties in tension and compression are considered. The geometric equation of the conical shell is established based on the equivalent method of curvature correction of von-Kármán deformation theory, and the analytical solution of the problem is obtained by Ritz method. Numerical simulation of bimodular functionally graded conical shells under the thermal and mechanical loads is carried out by Abaqus, and the numerical solution agrees with the theoretical solution. The results show that the introduction of bimodular functionally graded material will affect the maximum displacement and this effect has different rules under the mechanical load and thermal load. In addition, factors such as the cone apex angle and the truncated distance have a great influence on the maximum displacement and its location of the conical shell. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanics of Thin-Walled Structures and Other Lightweight Constructions)
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18 pages, 28496 KiB  
Article
Verification of Numerical Models of High Thin-Walled Cold-Formed Steel Purlins
by Přemysl Pařenica, Martin Krejsa, Jiří Brožovský and Petr Lehner
Materials 2024, 17(17), 4392; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17174392 - 5 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1203
Abstract
High thin-walled cold-formed steel purlins of the Z cross section are important elements of large-span steel structures in the construction industry. The present numerical study uses the finite element method to analyse the 300 mm and 350 mm high Z cross sections in-depth. [...] Read more.
High thin-walled cold-formed steel purlins of the Z cross section are important elements of large-span steel structures in the construction industry. The present numerical study uses the finite element method to analyse the 300 mm and 350 mm high Z cross sections in-depth. The prepared numerical models are verified and validated at several levels with experiments that have been previously published. Significant agreement between the numerical models and the experimental results regarding Mises stress, proportional strain, failure mode, and force-deformation diagram have been obtained. With the verification, the presented procedure and partial findings can be applied to other similar problems. The results can be used to help research and corporate groups optimise the structural design of cold-formed thin-walled steel structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanics of Thin-Walled Structures and Other Lightweight Constructions)
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26 pages, 5898 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Influence of Bolt Fastener Spacing on the Elastic Critical Load from the Lateral-Torsional Buckling Condition of Built-Up Bending Members
by Rafał Piotrowski and Andrzej Szychowski
Materials 2024, 17(14), 3392; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17143392 - 9 Jul 2024
Viewed by 882
Abstract
In an experimental study of two-branched beams bent transversely about the major stiffness axis, the elastic critical load from the lateral-torsional buckling condition was determined. The tests were conducted on simply supported two-branch beam models with a built-up section consisting of two cold-formed [...] Read more.
In an experimental study of two-branched beams bent transversely about the major stiffness axis, the elastic critical load from the lateral-torsional buckling condition was determined. The tests were conducted on simply supported two-branch beam models with a built-up section consisting of two cold-formed channel members (2C) bolted back-to-back. The bolts were located at the mid-height of the built-up cross-section. Five groups of members differing in longitudinal bolt spacing were examined. The models were gravitationally loaded (using ballast) at the centre of the beam span. This approach eliminated the undesirable effect of the lateral support of the beam, e.g., by the actuator head. The critical load, measured by the concentrated transverse force (Pz,cr), was determined using the modified Southwell method. It has been experimentally shown that, in built-up beams, there is an influence of bolt spacing on the elastic critical load from the lateral-torsional buckling condition. The lowest critical load capacity and the most non-linear behaviour of the built-up member were observed in beams bolted with only three bolts (at the supports and in the middle of the span). However, the experimental results obtained in this study show that increasing the number of bolts above a certain level (in the case of the tested models, it was seven bolts) does not result in a further increase in the critical load, which is a surprising result. The obtained values were 15 to 23% lower than the critical load determined numerically by the finite element method (LTBeamN) for an analogous element with a uniform I-section. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanics of Thin-Walled Structures and Other Lightweight Constructions)
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15 pages, 7496 KiB  
Article
The Behavior of Long Thin Rectangular Plates under Normal Pressure—A Thorough Investigation
by Gilad Hakim and Haim Abramovich
Materials 2024, 17(12), 2902; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17122902 - 13 Jun 2024
Viewed by 985
Abstract
Thin rectangular plates are considered basic structures in various sectors like aerospace, civil, and mechanical engineering. Moreover, isotropic and laminated composite plates subjected to transverse normal loading and undergoing small and large deflections have been extensively studied and published in the literature. Yet, [...] Read more.
Thin rectangular plates are considered basic structures in various sectors like aerospace, civil, and mechanical engineering. Moreover, isotropic and laminated composite plates subjected to transverse normal loading and undergoing small and large deflections have been extensively studied and published in the literature. Yet, it seems that the particular case of long thin plates having a high aspect ratio appears to be almost ignored by various scholars despite its engineering importance. The present study tries to fill this gap, yielding novel findings regarding the structural behavior of long thin plates in the small- and large-deflection regimes. In contrast to what is normally assumed in the literature, namely that a long plate with a high aspect ratio can be considered an infinitely long plate, the present results clearly show that the structural effects of the ends continue to exist near the remote ends of the long plate. An innovative finding is that long plates would (only on movable boundary conditions for the large-deflection regime) exhibit a larger mid-width displacement in comparison with deflections of infinitely long plates. This innovative higher deflection appears for both small and large-deflection regimes for both all-around simply supported and all-around clamped boundary conditions. This new finding was shown to be valid for both isotropic and orthotropic materials and presents a novel engineering approach for the old assumption well quoted in the literature that a relatively long plate on any boundary condition can be considered an infinite plate. Based on the present research, it is recommended that this assumption should be used carefully as the largest plate mid-deflection might occur at finite aspect ratios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanics of Thin-Walled Structures and Other Lightweight Constructions)
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