In this paper, an implementation of the discrete element method is presented with applications in interactive design and dynamic non linear analysis of tensegrity systems, a class of lightweight reticulate space structures. These systems are simulated efficiently using an explicit time integration scheme coupled to a 3D visualization interface, which brings the possibility to interactively model a structure, to follow its evolution in real time and to perform advanced structural analysis. To validate and justify this particular approach in the case of tensegrity systems, a static analysis comparison with other structural analysis softwares is carried out on a representative example. The benefits and versatility of the method are further illustrated through simulations of planar and deployable structures.
K. Snelson, Tensegrity Mast, Shelter Publications, Bolinas, CA, 1973.
2.
FullerR. B., The Dymaxion World of Buckminster Fuller, Anchoor Books, New York, 1973.
3.
MotroR., Tensegrity, Kogan Page Science, 2003.
4.
TibertAGPellegrinoS, Review of form-finding methods for tensegrity structures, International Journal of Space Structures, 18(4), 2003, 209–223.
5.
VassartNMotroR.Multiparametered form finding Method : Application to tensegrity systems, International Journal of Space Structures, 14(2), 1999, 147–154.
6.
ZhangJYOhsakiM, Adaptive force density method for form-finding problem of tensegrity structures, International Journal of Solids and Structures, 43(18–19), 2006, 5658–5673.
7.
MasicMSkeltonREGillPE, Algebraic tensegrity form-finding, International Journal of Solids and Structures, 42(16–17), 2005, 4833–4858.
8.
MotroRRaducanuV, Tensegrity systems, International Journal of Space Structures, 18(2), 2003, 77–84.
9.
ZhangL.MaurinB.MotroR, Form-Finding of Nonregular Tensegrity Systems, Journal of Structural Engineering, 132(9), 2006, 1435–1440.
10.
LiYFengXQCaoYPGaoHJ, A Monte Carlo form-finding method for large scale regular and irregular tensegrity structures, International Journal of Solids and Structures, 47(14–15), 2010, 1888–1898.
11.
RieffelJValero-CuevasFLipsonH, Automated discovery and optimization of large irregular tensegrity structures, Computers & Structures, 87(5–6), 2009, 368–379.
12.
BaraffD., Interactive simulation of solid rigid bodies, IEEE Computer Graphics And Applications, 15(3), 1995, 63–75.
KilianA.OchsendorfJ., Particle Spring Systems for Structural Form Finding, Journal of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures, 148(2), 2005.
16.
Graells RoviraA.Mirats TurJ.M., Control and simulation of a tensegrity-based mobile robot, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, 57(5), 2009, 526–535.
17.
QuirantJ., Self-stressed systems comprising elements with unilateral rigidity : Selfstress states, mechanisms and tension setting, International Journal Space Structures, 22(4), 2007, 203–214.
18.
PellegrinoS.CalladineCr., Matrix analysis of statically and kinematically indeterminate frameworks, International Journal of Solids and Structures, 22(4), 1986, 409–428.
19.
QuirantJ.Kazi-AoualM. N.MotroR., Designing tensegrity systems: The case of a double layer grid, Engineering Structures, 25(9), 2003, 1121–1130.
20.
LambertJD, Numerical methods for ordinary differential systems: the initial value problem, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1991.
21.
EastmanCM, BIM handbook : a guide to building information modeling for owners, managers, designers, engineers, and contractors, Wiley, Hoboken, N.J., 2008.
22.
RajagopalKR, A note on a reappraisal and generalization of the Kelvin-Voigt model, Mechanics Research Communications, 36(2), 2009, 232–235.
WooMNeiderJDavisTShreinerD., OpenGL programming guide: the official guide to learning OpenGL, version 1.2, 3rd ed., Addison-Wesley, 1999.
25.
BarnesM. R., Applications of dynamic relaxation to the design and analysis of cable, membrane and pneumatic structures, 2nd Int. Conference on Space Structures, Guildford, 1975.
26.
AliNBHRhode-BarbarigosLSmithIFC, Analysis of clustered tensegrity structures using a modified dynamic relaxation algorithm, International Journal of Solids and Structures, 48(5), 2011, 637–647.
VerpauxP.CharrasT.MillardA.CASTEM 2000, une approche moderne du calcul des structures, Calcul des structures et intelligence artificielle, Pluralis, 1988, 261–271.
29.
MooredK.W.Bart-SmithH., Investigation of clustered actuation in tensegrity structures, International Journal of Solids and Structures, 46(17), 2009, 3272–3281.
30.
AversengJ.DubeJ.F.CrosnierB.MotroR., Active control of a tensegrity plane grid, 44th IEEE Conference on Decision and Control & European Control Conference, 2005, 6830–6834.
31.
Bel Hadj AliN.SmithI.F.C., Dynamic behavior and vibration control of a tensegrity structure, International Journal of Solids and Structures, 47(9), 2010, 1285–1296.
