Rhino-Membrane

Rhino-Membrane is a state-of-the-art form finding plugin for the well-known 3D modelling software Rhinoceros 4.0.
This Rhinoceros plug-in combines the efficiency of a modern finite element approach or shape finding with the comfortable and easy-to-use graphical user interface provided by Rhino.

If you want to learn more about this form finding software, have a look at the following pages and/or post a question to our forum.

Please note that this page is currently under construction. This means you should come back every now and then to check out our latest new additions.

Feature list of Rhino-Membrane

• Form finding based on the updated reference strategy using the latest finite element technology
• Membrane elements for form finding (quadrilaterals and triangles)
• Isotropic and anistropic prestress definition (membrane elements)
• Accurate minimal surface generation
• Pressure option for form finding of "soap bubbles" and inflated cushions (membrane elements)
• Cable elements for form finding (real phyiscal prestress as well as force density)
• Elastic cable elements (e.g. for support structures, space trusses, etc.)
• Stress plots of the actual membrane forces after form finding
• Display of reaction forces
• Easy combination of different structural elements (e.g. to create ridge and valley cables, inflated cushion with supporting net, hybrid structures)
• ...

Short Guide to Rhino-Membrane

This little introduction to Rhino-Membrane should give you a rough overview over the many features of the form finding tool.

The short guide can be downloaded here.

Tutorial video 1 for Rhino-Membrane

Four point tent

This first tutorial video will demonstrate you how to create a simple four point tent. This tensile structure measures about 10 x 10 x 5 meters. The isotropic membrane prestress is set to a value of 1 kN/m. The edge cables have a prescribed cable force of 11 kN.You can increase the cable force to decrease the sag of the edge cable (if you decrease the cable force, the sag will enlarge).

Tutorial video 2 for Rhino-Membrane

Inflated cushion

In this second tutorial, the form finding of an inflated cushion is demonstrated. The rectangular boundary has the dimensions 8 by 4 meters. The membrane prestress is set to 0.5 kN/m. Two different pressures (p=0.1kN/m^2 and p=0.25kN/m^2) are investigated. 

Tutorial video 3 for Rhino-Membrane

Ridge cable

This third tutorial for Rhino-Membrane will show you how to do the form finding of a six point tent with a ridge cable. 

Tutorial video 4 for Rhino-Membrane

Tensegrity

This video shows you how to create tensegrity structures with the Rhino-Membrane. The form finding process is shown for various prismatic tensegrity structures (tripod, quadpod, pentapod).

Tutorial video 5 for Rhino-Membrane

Eye cable

In this fifth tutorial video, the form finding process of a membrane structure with an eye cable is demonstrated. This minimal surface structure is similar to the famous tents of Frei Otto.

 If you have problems watching the videos in youtube.com, you can try out vimeo.com.

Examples

You can download examples of minimal surface, tensile structures, etc. from the download area. To gain access you have to register yourself before.

Download of free demo version

If you want to try Rhino-Membrane yourself, you can download a free demo version of the form finding software from our software distributor TSI.