Technical Coefficients in Continuum Models of an Anisotropic Tensegrity Module

AbstractThe presents paper focuses on the application of continuum models for an anisotropic tensegrity module and the determination of its technical coefficients. Tensegrities are cable-strut systems with a special node configuration, which ensures the occurrence of infinitesimal mechanisms balanced with self-stress states. The continuum model of the module is built by assuming that the strain energy of the unsupported tensegrity structure is equivalent to the strain energy of the cube. After the proper validation, the proposed model can be used to determine and interpret physical properties of the module. From the obtained elasticity matrix and the inverse matrix, the technical coefficients such as: Young's moduli, Poisson's ratios and shear moduli can be computed