This paper proposes a general approach for topology optimization of tensegrity structures. The optimization problem is formulated in the framework of a mixed-integer linear programming. Compared with previous approaches, more practical issues such as member overlapping, strut buckling, displacement limits, and multiple load cases are considered in the proposed approach. The member connectivities, internal forces, and cross-sectional areas are used as independent variables. The total weight of the final structure is used as the objective function. The maximum allowed number of struts connected to each node, the maximum allowed number of cross-sectional sizes for each type of members, and the minimum number of nodes used in the final structure can be actively controlled. A novel constraint formulation is proposed to avoid the member overlapping problem. Numerical examples are carried out to verify the proposed approach. The tensegrity structures found by the proposed approach are much more suitable for practical applications, and the approach can be used as a general generator for new types of tensegrity structures for specific application scenarios.

This paper proposes a general approach for topology-finding of tensegrity structures. The ground structure method that is widely used in topology optimization of truss structures is employed. An optimization model, using the member connections and the internal forces of members as variables, is developed to find self-stressed tensegrities under given constraints on member distribution, configuration symmetry, and node stability. Mixed integer linear/quadratic programming is used to solve the optimization problem. Numerical examples are carried out to verify the proposed approach. Compared to previous approaches, the proposed approach is able to find a wider scope of tensegrity structures that have a maximum of k (k≥1) struts connecting to a single node and is able to deal with objective functions in quadratic form.

This paper addresses a type of deployable mesh antenna consisting of the double-ring deployable truss edge frame and the cable net reflector. The structural design concept of the deployable antennas is presented. The deployable truss is designed and the geometric relationship of each strut length is formulated. Two types of radial truss elements are described and compared. The joint pattern and the active cables of the final design concept are determined. The pattern of the cable net is the three-orientation grid. Two connection schemes between the reflector and the deployable edge frame are investigated. The design parameters and the shape adjustment mechanism of this cable net are determined. The measurement test technologies of the antennas on the ground including test facilities, deployment test, and measurement and adjustment test are proposed. The antenna patterns are analyzed based on the real surfaces of the reflector obtained by the reflective surface accuracy measurement. The tests and analytic results indicated that the accuracy of the reflective surface is high and is suitable for low-frequency communication.

This article presents an improved approach for topology optimization of tensegrity structures. The ground structure method is used to model the topology optimization problem of tensegrity structures into a mixed integer linear programming formulation. To improve the controllability of the found tensegrity structure, the nodes, besides the members, of the ground structure are treated as optimization variables, and direct and customized controls on the must-be-used nodes and on the number of struts connecting to each node are realized. A multi-objective function combining the previously used single objectives and a new developed single objective by weight coefficients is proposed to consider the multi-requirement on different aspects of tensegrity structures. Numerical examples are carried out to verify the proposed approach.