The modified dynamic relaxation method for form-finding of membrane structures

Dynamic relaxation method is modified in two aspects: 1) Simple procedure to gain the damp value directly, which is close to that of the critical damp, as verified by examples. 2) Extended applicable range to meet the architects' expectation of more shapes. In analyzing the HP-type membrane, function f (L) = (d/L)α is introduced to modify the node stiffness. Then the shape of membrane is adjusted by changing parameter α. Finally, the desired membrane shapes are obtained. In this way, the application of the classic dynamic relaxation method is extended.