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Article
Deployable Tensegrity Masts
| Authors: |
Tibert, G., Pellegrino, S |
| Document Type: |
Conference |
| Pubstate: |
Accepted |
| Journal: |
Proc. 44th AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS Structures, Structural Dynamics, and Materials Conference, 7-10 April 2003, Norfolk, VA, USA |
| Volume: |
AIAA-2003-1978 |
| Year: |
2003 |
AbstractThe tensegrity concept has long been considered as a basis for lightweight and compact packaging deployable structures, but very few studies are available. This paper presents a complete design study of a deployable tensegrity mast with all the steps involved: initial form-finding, structural analysis, manufacturing and deployment. Closed-form solutions are used for the form-finding. A manufacturing procedure in which the cables forming the outer envelope of the mast are constructed by two-dimensional weaving is used. The deployment of the mast is achieved through the use of self-locking hinges. A stiffness comparison between the tensegrity mast and an articulated truss mast shows that the tensegrity mast is weak in bending.
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