The Pneumo-Tensegrity, A Case Study
- Paper number
IAC-08.C2.2.9
- Author
Mr. Valentin Stavev, Helium Aeromedia, Bulgaria
- Coauthor
Mr. Raffi Tomassian, United States
- Year
2008
- Abstract
The proposed work is an extension of the authors’ study on tendon restraint (lobed) pneumatic structures an their application in the design of space habitats. The realization that space architecture has to respond to internal pressure more than any other force in space is forcing the industry to take a second look at pneumatics. Engineered membrane structures have a number of advantages for space habitat applications. So far, however the promise for great payload savings have not materialized The principle behind the tendon restraint pneumatics is to use a flexible gas barrier and ultimate tensile strength spaced tendons for pressure confinement. Increasing the curvature by forming lobes has the effect of transferring most of the load to the tendons. Since materials with extremely high tensile strength are available in the form of filaments, such arrangement will have optimal structural efficiency. Another system of structural composition uniquely equipped to function in space is tensional integrity. Despite their unique visual attractiveness, which defies traditional architectonic logic, tensegrity structures have seen scant application since their modern discovery in the middle of the twentieth century. The main reason lies in hard to eliminate system deflections in tensegrity structures, a critical flaw to traditional structural engineering. Those are however potentially rather welcome in space structures because of having to respond to the pressurization of the envelope, rather than a differential gravity force. Tensegrities are closed systems, hence they exhibit the tendency to relay on and redirect stresses among the different system components: a uniquely adequate feature in a space environment. Our project is based on combining tensegrity support systems with tendon restraint pneumatics. The designs capitalize on the inherent strengths of each system. Theoretical work on tensegrity structures often compares them to pneumatics to the point of directly relating the compression studs to the gas and the tendons, to the inflatable membrane. We go a step further by actually embodying these elements in an integral hybrid system. A central issue in this paper is the proposed methodology for formfinding of tensegrity augmented tendon restraint pneumatics. Morphological generation of this new genus of inflatable structures is greatly enhanced by simple analytical methods. Simple, demonstrative results in form of diagrams and formulae are more productive than computer assisted trial-and-error. In the course of this project we have developed a new technology for physical modeling. First results will be adequately illustrated.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.C2.2.9.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.