Deployable tension-strut structures: from concept to implementation

Deployable Tension-Strut Structures are spatial structures that are composed of struts and high strength tension elements. Their deployment is made possible by the use of detachable elements. Their high structural stiffness and strength are achieved by optimal arrangements of struts and tension elements. Previous designs of deployable structures compromised their structural efficiency to achieve deployment. This problem is overcome in the proposed system by the use of detachable elements, which decouples the structural design from kinematic requirements. The basic design concept of deployable tension-strut structures is explained and four prototypes of such structures are developed in detail. Nonlinear finite element analysis is used to analyse their load–displacement behaviour. The structural efficiency of the proposed systems is compared with that of conventional double layer spatial truss systems. Parametric studies, covering various span-depth ratios and structural configurations, show that the proposed deployable tension strut system is structurally more efficient than double layered space truss systems for span length up to 48 m.