Concept of Deployable Tensegrity Structures in Space Application

Abstract

This paper proposes a concept of deployable tensegrity space structures in future aerospace activities to avoid some difficulties of conventional deployable space structures. The fundamental geometrical characteristics for deployment of tensegrity masts are introduced. Some conceptual considerations for the one-dimensional deployable tensegrity are presented from the viewpoint of geometry. The conceptual model of one-dimensional deployable tensegrity truss mast was constructed to demonstrate the concept. Some vibrational characteristics for various type of one-dimensional tensegrity truss mast were also examined.