Deployable structures classification: A review

Abstract

Deployable structures have the capacity to transform and predictably adopt multiple predetermined configurations, moving through known paths, while deploying in a controlled and safe way. These characteristics introduce benefits when considering issues such as ease of transportation, erection and the overall sustainability of the structure by means of high material efficiency, modularisation and maximum use of natural energy resources. The aim of this article is to provide a critical review of existing attempts at classifying deployable structures identifying connections between different families through their mechanical and structural behaviours. The classifications selected consider theoretical and applied deployable structures, not focusing on a single application of deployable structures but including those ranging from spatial applications, to temporary and disaster relief structure, through to medical applications, providing coherence where terminology varies between applications. In order to gain a consistent understanding, tree diagrams were created for the review/classification to allow drawing commonalities and establishing differences between authors. A chronological approach was adopted, using key review work as focal points for the timeline, complemented by smaller more specific pieces of work. This enabled the identification of common features and divergences between the different authors, bringing to the conclusion that a clear, comprehensive, consistent and unified classification of deployable structures is currently missing within the field.

Computational Design of Bistable Deployable Scissor Structures: Trends and Challenges

“…Fenci and N.G.R. Currie [1]. In most cases the distinction is made between skeletal structures and continuous structures.…”

“…Convertible, temporary and lightweight structures can adapt their shape or function to meet changing needs and circumstances on either the short or on the long term. They are sustainable because of their modular design, reusability and easy adaptivity [1]. The design of transformable structures is inherently a design for change, since it includes explicitly the concept of time and different stable structural states.…”

Phase Changing Materials-Based Variable-Stiffness Tensegrity Structures

“…These new cables, which we call variablestiffness cables (VSCs), can be realized by using several types of stiffness changeable materials, such as low melting point alloys (LMPAs), shape memory polymers, shape memory alloys, wax, and others. 29 These materials offer the possibility of achieving larger stiffness change without the use of additional actuators, 8 thus resulting in lighter and less bulky systems. Moreover, the differential distribution or activation of VSCs within a tensegrity structure could enable stiffness change both at the global and local structure level.…”

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“…Other architects and engineers such as Charis Gantes, Sergio Peregrino, Niels De Temmerman, Carlos Henrique Hernandez, Juan Perez Valcarcel, Masao Saito, and Luis Sanchez Cuenca have also developed innovative solutions based on deployable pantographic structures and documented their findings in numerous academic journals. Some of these authors also developed extensive classification systems for deployable structures in general [4]. One of the earliest attempts to classify deployable structures was Carlos Henrique Hernandez's thesis from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1987 [5].…”