Publication

Finite element based form-finding algorithm for tensegrity structures

Journal Article (2009)

Journal

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Pages

3235-3240

Volume

46

Number

17

Doc link

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijsolstr.2009.04.018

File

Download the digital copy of the doc pdf document

Abstract

This paper presents a novel form-finding algorithm for tensegrity structures that is based on the finite element method. The required data for the form-finding is the topology of the structure, undeformed bar lengths, total cable length, prestress of cables and stiffness of bars. The form-finding is done by modifying the single cable lengths such that the total cable length is preserved and the potential energy of the system is minimized. Two- and three-dimensional examples are presented that demonstrate the excellent performance of the proposed algorithm.

Categories

robots.

Author keywords

tensegrity, form-finding

Scientific reference

M. Pagitz and J. M. Mirats Tur. Finite element based form-finding algorithm for tensegrity structures. International Journal of Solids and Structures, 46(17): 3235-3240, 2009.