Potential Energy Optimization Approach in the Form-Finding of Tensegrities and Cable–Strut Systems

Abstract

A form-finding process for tensegrities and cable–strut systems is determined as a minimum problem of potential energy that is constructed considering initial estimated pre-stress states. Both the Jacobian and Hessian matrices of a potential energy function are derived explicitly regarding free nodal coordinates. Based on these derivations, both the first-order geodesic dynamic relaxation optimization method and the second-order optimization method of Newton can be applied to solve form-finding problems involving tensegrities and cable–strut structures. It should be noted that both the pre-stress state and the configuration of the systems are adjusted during the optimization process to satisfy self-equilibrium conditions. The geometrical constraints are then included in the proposed work as equality constraint conditions to find the final forms satisfying not only the self-equilibrium states but also the designers’ demands. Two well-known and complex systems are investigated to assess the efficiency of the proposed method, i.e. free-standing truncated icosahedral tensegrity and the Kiewitt Dome.