Validation of the continuum orthotropic model of tensegrity beam-like and plate-like structures

In this paper, an attempt was made to develop the continuum orthotropic model of tensegrity structures. A basic four-module tensegrity grid built from modified Quadruplex modules was proposed. A procedure called the energy equivalency method was adopted. The basis of this approach is the assumption that the finite element strain energy of a deformed tensegrity truss system contains the same energy as its continuum counterpart. Next, the six-parameter shell theory was used and closed forms for maximum displacements were obtained. Finally, in order to fill the gap in the existing literature, the continuum model was validated – the displacements were compared with displacements obtained from a discrete nonlinear model (the finite element method). The continuum model of tensegrity is a simple tool for analyzing large beam-like structures, plate-like structures and plate strips. It is important in case when discrete modeling becomes too tedious for the analysis. Another point is that many commercial software programs cannot analyze structures characterized by mechanisms. The finding of this work can also be useful for modeling metamaterials whose topology is based on the concept of tensegrity.