Experimental and numerical study on the self-stress design of tensegrity systems

Abstract

Tensegrity systems as kinematically and statically indeterminate pin-jointed systems are characterized by mechanisms and self-stress states. Unlike the other reticulated systems, in tensegrity systems, unilateral behavior of cables causes some problems in determining the basis of compatible self-stress states. At the present study, self-stress design of tensegrity systems is presented. Experimental study on two 3×3×0.7 m tensegrity grids was conducted to verify the accuracy and validity of the numerical method. Using supporting constraints, an effective method for the implementation of self-stress states in a much reduced number of stages is proposed and calibrated. Considering the results of the present study, the self-stress design of these systems can be improved to obtain specific desired behavior.