Initial form-finding design of deployable Tensegrity structures with dynamic relaxation method

The paper studies the initial form-finding problem, includes the initial configuration and stress distribution, of deployable tensegrity structures. The stress distributions in bars are preset as prestressing forces, the configuration of the structure and the stress distributions in cables are searched by a presented dynamic relaxation method. In the method, mechanical characteristics of the deployable tensegrity structures are considered. The compatibility of the configuration and stress distribution of the structure is achieved in an iterative process by continuous modification of the bar lengths while keeping the initial stress in bars and the cable lengths with constant values. The effects of the dummy nodal mass, iteration time step length, and cable stiffness on the calculated results and the convergence performances are investigated and rational selection of these parameters are advised. Several numerical examples are provided to verify the applicability and accuracy of the presented method.