The present paper explores the capabilities of a tensegrity-inspired tower with regard to frequency tuning by shape morphing. To change the configuration of the proposed structure, shape-memory-alloy (SMA) actuators are used. This actuation principle also takes advantage of the variation of the elastic modulus of SMAs associated with the martensitic transformation. The temperature modulation of the SMA wires is successfully achieved by Joule heating, through a proportional-integral-derivative controller, to change between a low-temperature shape and a high-temperature shape. The implementation of a short-time-Fourier-transform control algorithm allows for the correct identification of the dominant input frequency, associated with the dynamic excitation. This information is used to automatically change the configuration of the structure in order to shift its natural frequency away from that of the dynamic excitation. With this frequency tuning, one obtains a reduction of the accelerations throughout the structure up to about 80%. The good performance of the proposed control approach gives promising indications regarding the use of tensegrity systems, in combination with SMAs, for shape-morphing applications, and, in particular, for self-tuning structures.

The interest in novel energy‐dissipation devices that offer advanced functionalities for optimal performance in state‐of‐the‐art engineering applications is growing. In this regard, a highly tunable and innovative dissipator is developed. This dissipator features movement amplification capabilities resulting from the radial replication of a unit‐cell with tensegrity architecture. The kinematic response of the dissipator is analyzed for several layouts, by varying the number of unit‐cells within the device, their internal geometry, and identifying the corresponding locking configurations. A fully operational 3D‐printed prototype is presented, demonstrating its excellent performance in terms of damping capabilities and feasibility. The experimental results are used to validate a numerical model of the flower unit. This model demonstrates the importance of pre‐strain on the overall stiffness and dissipative features of the proposed system. By utilizing these numerical models, it is shown that the proposed device can be used as a building block for more complex assemblies such as periodic metamaterials with tensegrity architecture.