Non-Linear Behavior of Double-Layered Grids

Abstract

This study presents a numerical approach to an analysis of the mechanical behavior of double-layered tensegrity grids. We present a comparative study on the behavior of tensegrity grids through geometric nonlinear analysis (GNA) and combined nonlinear analysis (CNLA) (geometric and material), considering the possible effect of evolution in the elasto-plastic domain of the cable elements. The effect of the relaxation of cable on the amplification of the displacement of these grids was taken into account. The updated Lagrangian formulation, which modifies the Newton-Raphson iterative scheme with incremental loading, was adopted. We have developed a numerical computational model specific to tensegrity structures that simulates the geometric and material nonlinear behavior. The reliability of the calculation tool developed has been validated. Additionally, the results of the application of the numerical model on a grid, which was generated based on demi-cuboctahedral tensegrity cells, are presented.

Keywords

• tensegrity
• double layer grids
• geometrical nonlinearity
• material nonlinearity
• relaxation