Structural Engineering-Tensegrity Simplex Structure - Assignment Example

The concept of Tensegrity provides a high level of structural and geometrical efficiency and results in lightweight and modular structures. However, Tensegrity concept is still not part of the major design of stream structural wing because of various reasons. This paper therefore seeks to discuss Tensegrity, simplex structure. The paper will also detail how to find out the coordinates of the nodes, how to find out the angle of twist by simple geometry, how to find out the s/c ratio= 1.468, how to set up an actual model of prototype and the difficulties involved, as well as how the model deforms.

Under this discussion, it is important to note that most of the bar to string configurations will not stay in equilibrium, and therefore if constructed they may possibly collapse to other shapes. Only the bar to string configuration in a stable equilibrium and pre-stressed will be referred to as Tensegrity structures. According to Skelton et al. (2001), Tensegrity is a class of structures that possess continuous tension characteristics, discontinuous compression. The authors assert that stability is an important aspect in Tensegrity.

A system of Tensegrity may be established when discontinuous components of compression interact with tensile components and defines stability in space. Generally, Tensegrity is geometry of a system of materials in a stable equilibrium if the particles within the system of the materials return to geometry beginning from an initial position arbitrarily close to this particular geometry to infinity as time goes by. In order to find out the coordinates of the nodes and the angle of twists by a simple geometry and to determine the s/c ratio, the concepts of Tensegrity play a pivotal part.

The following concepts are used: Pure tensile/compressive members: the structures of Tensegrity entail pure tension and compression members. The used tension elements are cables that