Constructing large-scale tensegrity structures with bar-bar connection using prismatic elementary cells

摘要

As a novel type of light-weight and reticulated structures, tensegrities have found many technologically important applications. In this paper, a facile method is developed to construct a class of large-scale tensegrities consisting of bar-bar connection using prismatic elementary cells. We tune the orientation of the structural axis of each cell by the affine transformation technique. Then, the cells can be assembled easily in any directions required by the structural design. The method proposed here allows us to construct various types of large-scale tensegrity structures satisfying the demands of sizes and topology. A number of representative examples are provided, including straight and curved beams, plates, shells, and three-dimensional large-scale tensegrities.