A software tool for analyzing motions and loading in spatial Tensegrity structures

Carl A. Nelson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Tensegrity structures are a unique class of mechanisms since they are overconstrained but possess mobility due to member compliance. Visualization of these systems is an important step in their design. This paper presents a simulation tool developed in the MATLAB programming environment for simulation of spatial tensegrity structures. Particularly, it allows visualization of motion (animation) of tensegrity mechanisms, as well as determination of load distributions. A compatibility-based solution approach is used to handle the constraints of loading cables in tension only. The result is a design/analysis tool useful not only for tensegrity mechanisms, but general planar and spatial mechanisms as well. This is illustrated by examples.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication39th Mechanisms and Robotics Conference
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791857144
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
EventASME 2015 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC/CIE 2015 - Boston, United States
Duration: Aug 2 2015Aug 5 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings of the ASME Design Engineering Technical Conference
Volume5C-2015

Other

OtherASME 2015 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC/CIE 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston
Period8/2/158/5/15

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Modeling and Simulation
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design

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