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Experimental and numerical study on the self-stress design of tensegrity systems

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Abstract

Tensegrity systems as kinematically and statically indeterminate pin-jointed systems are characterized by mechanisms and self-stress states. Unlike the other reticulated systems, in tensegrity systems, unilateral behavior of cables causes some problems in determining the basis of compatible self-stress states. At the present study, self-stress design of tensegrity systems is presented. Experimental study on two 3×3×0.7 m tensegrity grids was conducted to verify the accuracy and validity of the numerical method. Using supporting constraints, an effective method for the implementation of self-stress states in a much reduced number of stages is proposed and calibrated. Considering the results of the present study, the self-stress design of these systems can be improved to obtain specific desired behavior.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Urmia University of Technology, Urmia, Iran

    B. Shekastehband

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran

    K. Abedi

  3. Structural Laboratory of Sazehaye Fazaei Iran, Safira Company, Tehran, Iran

    N. Dianat

Authors
  1. B. Shekastehband
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  2. K. Abedi
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  3. N. Dianat
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Correspondence to B. Shekastehband.

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Shekastehband, B., Abedi, K. & Dianat, N. Experimental and numerical study on the self-stress design of tensegrity systems. Meccanica 48, 2367–2389 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11012-013-9754-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11012-013-9754-3

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