Parametric Modeling and Analysis of Tensegrity Structures

Abstract

Tensegrity structures are based on a set of discontinuous compressible elements within a network of continuous tension elements, with isolated compressed elements (struts or bars) and prestressed tension elements (tendons or cables) that form a stable network. They are dominated by tensile elements, while more material-intensive compression elements are minimized. Tensegrity structures fail mainly due to low material efficiency, member instability, and excessive deflections when compared to rigid structures made with slender elements. The spatial geometry, axial stiffness, member layout, and connectivity of tensegrity structures directly affect the type of structural failure, including strength, instability, and stiffness. This paper presents a systematic parametric study on overall axial stiffness variation of the 3-bar tensegrity prism to check the effect of the level of prestressing and other geometric parameters such as the height of the tensegrity cell, type of the tensegrity cell (no. of compression members), radius of the tensegrity cell, area of the cables & struts, twisted angle of the top and bottom cable tringles and the point load acting on nodes. Parametric modeling and structural analyses were conducted in the Karamba 3D structural environment in-built with the Rhinoceros & Grasshopper 3D software.