Experimental and numerical studies on the collapse behavior of tensegrity systems considering cable rupture and strut collapse with snap-through

Researches on the collapse behavior of a 3×3×0.7 m tensegrity grid have been conducted with the aim of examining the accuracy of the proposed numerical procedure for investigating the localization or propagation of collapse in these systems. The experimental program consists of tests on the constituent elements and collapse test on the whole system. In the current study, two types of collapse due to sudden rupture of a cable element and buckling of a strut were examined in the studied tensegrity model under load control. It was found that the most important factors that influence the collapse behavior of the tensegrity model are the imperfection amplitude, damping factors and residual stresses of the buckled struts. Based on the obtained results, the finite element model were adjusted, compared and validated with the experimental results until reliable and robust numerical model were achieved.

► Experimental and numerical studies on the collapse behavior of a tensegrity model. ► Two types of collapse due to sudden rupture of a cable element and buckling of strut. ► Increasing the kinetic energy released due to sudden failure of the fastener bolts. ► Damping as a determinant parameter in the collapse behavior of the tensegrity systems.