A self-vibration-control tensegrity structure for space large-scale construction

Abstract

Tensegrity is a very attractive structure due to its unique advantages of self-equilibrium, lightweight, small compression volume, and low control cost. However, both the shape and the dynamic behavior of tensegrity are susceptible to environmental change, which has limited the development of the structure in high-accuracy applications. We develop a self-vibration-control tensegrity structure for the space large-scale construction that requires high accuracy and shape retention ability. In the control algorithm, a wave spectrum element method is established first for the dynamic, wave, and power flow analysis of the self-vibration-control tensegrity structure, and the relationship between the global displacement response and the local traveling waves is revealed quantificationally. Then, the power flow vibration control method, which has great robustness and adaptability to the environment, is established using both centralized control strategy and distributed control strategy. Eventually, some numerical simulations and experimental investigations are carried out. The result shows that the vibration of the self-vibration-control tensegrity structure can be effectively suppressed in a wide frequency region. The result of this study can also be applied to other fields.