Diagrams for Stable Configurations of the Basic Tensegrity Unit

doi:10.3901/JME.2021.23.047

Abstract

Abstract: The tensegrity structure is self-stabilized system composed of tension strings and compressed bars. The basic tensegrity prism and frustum units are foundations of complex tensegrity structures. The spatial geometric position relationship is obtained concisely, which is determined by the main and auxiliary fractal parameters-the total number p of bars, the number difference j between the serial numbers of nodes at the other end of bar and string who are connected to a common node, based on the components' spatial geometric position and the relationship between the force and vector of the components, under the regular fractal condition. The geometric relationship is represented by the nodes' force balance exerted by the components. The stable configurations and the geometric relationship between the nodes of up and down sections are analyzed and obtained based on the principle that three forces compose an end-to-end closure triangle while balanced. The components layout of the tensegrity structure is then determined according to the definition of the connection matrix between components and nodes, and the self-stabilized configuration is formed.

Key words: tensegrity structure, basic unit, stable configuration, fractal, force balance, end-to-end closed force triangle

CLC Number:

TP242

LUO Ani, LIU Heping, LAI Xiaoliang. Diagrams for Stable Configurations of the Basic Tensegrity Unit[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2021, 57(23): 47-52.

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