Principal Lines on Shells: Which Are More Meaningful?

Several families of lines can be generated on a curved surface by plotting different properties. These lines can be classified as either geometrical, or strictly mechanical if the surface becomes a shell structure. Here, we plot these lines on shells and discuss the connection between them, as a preparatory investigation of the structural behaviour of curved surfaces. This analysis is performed by primarily using Rhinoceros [1], Grasshopper [2] and Karamba3D [3]. We also introduce a new typology of mechanical lines: the principal eccentricity lines. Finally, we propose a parametric analysis of different structural surfaces, in order to highlight the most relevant lines for the mechanical behaviour of shell structures and their possible use. Central to the premise of this work is the idea to explore the language of structural form, to the advantage of a structurally inspired design that can ensure the coexistence of structural and architectural design goals.