Technical Papers
Feb 28, 2024

Traversal Topology-Finding Method of Tensegrity Structure Based on Dynamic Programming

Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 150, Issue 5

Abstract

Tensegrity structures, which consist of tension cables and compression rods, are widely used in various fields. It is particularly important to find the tensegrity with definite geometric configuration for the following research and application. This paper presents a traversal topology-finding method for tensegrity structures based on dynamic programming algorithm and ground structure method. After the designer has given the cable topology, the dynamic programming is adopted to realize the traversal selection of the rod. In order to reduce the traversal space and realize the constraint of rod length type, the rod is classified according to length. Compared with existing topology-finding methods, the algorithm can not only output all feasible topologies but also incorporate structural constraints, such as rod length type and prestressed stability, into the calculation process. Four tensegrity numerical examples illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the topology-finding method.

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Data Availability Statement

All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51778129), Six Talent Peaks Project in Jiangsu Province (JZ-010), and Qinglan Project of Jiangsu Province of China.

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Go to Journal of Structural Engineering
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 150Issue 5May 2024

History

Received: Sep 4, 2023
Accepted: Dec 27, 2023
Published online: Feb 28, 2024
Published in print: May 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Jul 28, 2024

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Professor, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast Univ., 2 Southeast University Rd., Nanjing 211189, China (corresponding author). Email: [email protected]
Graduate Student, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast Univ., 2 Southeast University Rd., Nanjing 211189, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2433-0656. Email: [email protected]
Ph.D. Candidate, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast Univ., 2 Southeast University Rd., Nanjing 211189, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9159-6812. Email: [email protected]

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