The study deals with the static and kinematic analysis of a column-like structure composed of absolutely rigid hinged plane elements and of linear elastic bars. The elements form congruent space structural units which can be folded separately by using appropriate external loads.
The analysis shows that a chain of these units can work as a deployable column only if the cyclic symmetry of the structure is not disturbed by imperfections. The equilibrium paths for packaging or deploying the imperfect structure are not stable, thus the geometry of the column cannot be controlled by an axial force only.
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