Fundamental parameters for a minimal mass design of prismatic tensegrity cylinder subjected to a compressive force

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to propose a study on the static behavior of prismatic tensegrity structures and an innovative form for determining the effect of mechanical properties and geometric parameters on the minimal mass design of these structures. Design/methodology/approach The minimal mass design in this paper considers a stable class-two tensegrity tower built through stable models. Using the proposed structures, comprehensive parametric studies are performed to examine the mass (in which the masses of joints are ignored), the mass ratio between a class-two tensegrity tower and a single element, both having the same diameter and length and afterward determine a reliable mass saving structure under various circumstances. Findings The simulations show that the mass ratio versus the number of units is a nonlinear regressive curve and predicts that the proposed model outperforms the standard model when the variation parameter considered is a vertical force. The difference in mass between these structures is visible when the gap gradually decreases while the number of units increases. On the geometrical aspect, the gap between the masses is not significant. Originality/value This paper helps to understand the influences of geometric parameters and the mechanical properties on the design of cylinder tensegrity structures dealing with a compressive force.

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“…Also, their natural frequency is lower compared to traditional structures, giving them greater flexibility, but as a consequence, them are weaker [37] [38]. A feature of the TSs is the decrease of stiffness when the external load increases, presenting the phenomenon of buckling [9], in addition, when units in a chain increase considerably, the difference in mass of the structure is no longer noticeable [39]. The equipment of sensors and actuators is beneficial for the control of deflections and for avoiding the phenomenon of buckling [40].…”

A resource-efficient form-finding approach to tensegrity structures

“…The tensegrity structures consist of bars (struts) and strings (cables) connected at a point known as the joint (Skelton and De Oliveira, 2009). Those structural elements are uniaxially loaded, where they carry only compression and tension, respectively (Vumiliya et al, 2021;Luo et al, 2023). The shape finding of tensegrity structure has been extensively researched, where different methods and algorithms have been suggested, such as an intuitive method presented by Motro (1992), for regular structures but inapplicable to complex tensegrity structures, and an analytical method was also developed (Koohestani, 2017;Gomes, 2007;Zhang et al, 2018) that was able to overcome the complexity of the structure by using the matrix manipulations to satisfy the relationship between the selfstress required for stable structures.…”

“…The tensegrity structures consist of bars (struts) and strings (cables) connected at a point known as the joint (Skelton and De Oliveira, 2009). Those structural elements are uniaxially loaded, where they carry only compression and tension, respectively (Vumiliya et al. , 2021; Luo et al.…”