Design and Analysis of Three Strut Tensegrity Structure

Abstract

A tensegrity structure is any structure realized from cables and struts to which a state of prestress is imposed that imparts tension to all cables. The tensegrity concept has long been considered as a basis for lightweight and compact packaging deployable structures. The qualities of tensegrity structures which make the technology attractive for human use are their resilience and their ability to use materials in a very economical way. Their extreme resilience makes tensegrity structures able to withstand large structural shocks like earthquakes. This paper deals with the design of three strut tensegrity structure where the key step is the determination of its geometrical configuration that is the form-.finding analysis. For general problem Several methods proposed for this step are scrutinized, the analytical method found most suitable, which analyzes the internal force organic to n-strut tensegrity systems to obtain a better understanding of tensegrity and develop generic design equations for self deployable tensegrity systems. A static analysis of the internal forces is conducted on the top and bottom platforms of 3 – strut tensegrity systems, which determine the geometry of the systems and relationship between the internal forces. The results of this analysis are used to design n – strut tensegrity assuming symmetry and patterns consistent with all systems by relating the results to number of struts in the system (n). The theory of elasticity is used to develop generic design equations that calculate the lengths and diameter of the struts and elastic ties required to create a desired geometry and stiffness. Further mathematical model is verified by plotting the results in Cartesian coordinates in MATLAB, Which helped to visualize the designed structure and also to observe the change in an apparent physical model by changing design variable. The mathematical model is also verified and found safe by using Finite Element Software ANSYS©.