A strict tensegrity system, which consists of the word tensile and integrity, is composed of two different sets of components: compressive members (e.g., struts) that do not touch each other and continuous tensile members (e.g., cables). From an engineering point of view, tensegrity systems referred as pin-jointed structures that their stability is provided by the self-stress state between tensioned and compressed elements through mechanical way. It acts as a whole system where the external forces are transmitted equally to all members, e.g. vibration that may act in one part causes the same result in whole structure. External loads are applied at nodes if exist, so the members transmit only axial forces, either in tension or compression (Fig_01)
Since their birth, there have been numerous attempts to try to define the term tensegrity, beginning with the most traditional one of Buckminister Fuller (1975, p. 1) in his work Synergetics: “The word tensegrity is an invention: it is a contraction of tensional integrity. Tensegrity describes a structural‐relationship principle in which structural shape is guaranteed by the finitely closed, comprehensively continuous, tensional behaviors of the system and not by the discontinuous and exclusively local compression member behaviors. One of the latest efforts is defined from R. Motro (2003, p. 19) who describes it as “a system in a stable self‐equilibrium state comprising a discontinuous set of compressed components inside a continuum of tensioned components.” (Fig_02, Fig_03, Fig_04)
It is easier understood how a tensegrity works if we made a simple analogy with a balloon. The tension can describe the pull and compression the push. The pull and push are in balance between them and create integrity of tension and compression. The balloon consists of “a continuously pulling rubber skin being discontinuously pushed by the individual air molecules in the balloon, thereby keeping it inflated.” (Parsons, 2005, p. 74). All external forces in balloon’s surface are continuously distributed over the entire system and this makes the balloon strong (Fig_05)
Nevertheless, the origins of tensegrity systems are linked to Kenneth D. Snelson’s sculptures, subsequently, they are referred as well in other disciplines at present such as architecture, civil and mechanical engineering who are trying to research their properties and applications. They are the most promising structures and it is common to test them for dynamic loading such as wind and earthquake. Another significant advantage tensegrity systems can bring into play and give this project an even more practical substance, is their modularity properties, their ability to be easily constructed, lightweight and cost-effective but at the same time giving a new improved aesthetic to the surrounding environment.
Tensegrity structures are complex due to their geometrically nonlinear behavior and for this reason it was difficult until nowadays to investigate them mathematically more deeply. Today’s knowledge of computation helps for further research by simulating tensegrity systems as particle spring systems. (Killian and Ochsendorf 2005).
Since their birth, there have been numerous attempts to try to define the term tensegrity, beginning with the most traditional one of Buckminister Fuller (1975, p. 1) in his work Synergetics: “The word tensegrity is an invention: it is a contraction of tensional integrity. Tensegrity describes a structural‐relationship principle in which structural shape is guaranteed by the finitely closed, comprehensively continuous, tensional behaviors of the system and not by the discontinuous and exclusively local compression member behaviors. One of the latest efforts is defined from R. Motro (2003, p. 19) who describes it as “a system in a stable self‐equilibrium state comprising a discontinuous set of compressed components inside a continuum of tensioned components.” (Fig_02, Fig_03, Fig_04)
It is easier understood how a tensegrity works if we made a simple analogy with a balloon. The tension can describe the pull and compression the push. The pull and push are in balance between them and create integrity of tension and compression. The balloon consists of “a continuously pulling rubber skin being discontinuously pushed by the individual air molecules in the balloon, thereby keeping it inflated.” (Parsons, 2005, p. 74). All external forces in balloon’s surface are continuously distributed over the entire system and this makes the balloon strong (Fig_05)
Nevertheless, the origins of tensegrity systems are linked to Kenneth D. Snelson’s sculptures, subsequently, they are referred as well in other disciplines at present such as architecture, civil and mechanical engineering who are trying to research their properties and applications. They are the most promising structures and it is common to test them for dynamic loading such as wind and earthquake. Another significant advantage tensegrity systems can bring into play and give this project an even more practical substance, is their modularity properties, their ability to be easily constructed, lightweight and cost-effective but at the same time giving a new improved aesthetic to the surrounding environment.
Tensegrity structures are complex due to their geometrically nonlinear behavior and for this reason it was difficult until nowadays to investigate them mathematically more deeply. Today’s knowledge of computation helps for further research by simulating tensegrity systems as particle spring systems. (Killian and Ochsendorf 2005).
Fig_01
Fig_02
Fig_04
Fig_05