Parametric dynamic analysis of tensegrity cable-strut domes

Abstract

The paper contains a parametric dynamic analysis of cable-strut domes. The special structures named tensegrity are considered. Two qualitative different tensegrity domes, i.e., the Geiger dome and the Levy dome are taken into account. The aim of the study is to compare the dynamic behaviour of such structures. The first stage of analysis involves the identification of initial prestress forces (system of internal forces, which holds structural components in stable equilibrium) and infinitesimal mechanisms. The second stage focuses on calculating natural frequencies, while in the last, the impact of time-independent external loads on vibrations is studied. The influence of initial prestress and external load on the dynamic response of the structures is considered. A geometrically non-linear model is used to analysis. Presented considerations are crucial for the next step in the analysis, i.e., dynamic stability analysis of the behaviour of tensegrity structures under periodic loads.