Session: 02-03-02: Dynamic Loads, Wave Propagations, Response, Vibration, Control, and Alleviation of Aerospace Structures and Vehicles

Paper Number: 152250

152250 - Wave Propagation in Tensegrity Structures 

Tensegrity systems, known for their lightweight, adaptable configurations, structural efficiency, and deployability, are prime candidates for metastructures in space applications. This study develops a comprehensive methodology to analyze wave propagation in tensegrity lattices using a non-dimensional framework. Two complementary approaches are employed to predict pass bands and bandgaps, which are frequency ranges is which waves can and cannot propagate, respectively. The first approach analyzes wave dispersion through a single representative unit cell, calculating dispersion curves to identify bandgaps and pass bands. The second approach models the structure as a finite system with a specified number of unit cells, employing modal analysis to determine the steady-state response under harmonic loading. The frequency response function is then utilized to characterize the bandgaps and pass bands. Two types of unit cells are explored: a two-dimensional D-bar unit and a three-dimensional tensegrity prism. The study examines axial and in-plane bending wave propagation in the D-bar chain and axial wave propagation in a chain of tensegrity prisms. Non-dimensionalization of the equations of motion highlights key parameters, namely, the strings and bars ratio of stiffness per unit length, mass per unit length, and prestress levels in the bars and strings. Results show that the width and location of bandgaps are highly sensitive to these non-dimensional parameters. Increased stiffness shifts the dispersion curves to higher frequencies, with bandgaps either narrowing or widening. Conversely, added mass lowers the frequency range of the bandgaps, presenting opportunities for tunable wave control. Although prestress has a more subtle effect, it allows additional flexibility in fine-tuning wave propagation characteristics. The consistent results between the unit cell and finite structure analyses validate the robustness of the methodology. These findings illustrate how geometric, and material properties can be optimized to tune bandgaps in tensegrity metastructures, enabling precise control over wave propagation in future space applications.

Presenting Author: Rawad Yazbeck Texas A&M University

Presenting Author Biography: My name is Rawad Yazbeck, and I am a PhD student in the Aerospace Engineering Department at Texas A&M University. My research focuses on nonlinear dynamics and wave propagation in tensegrity structures, with an emphasis on understanding how geometric and material nonlinearities affect bandgap formation and interact with each other. Specifically, I explore the influence of these nonlinearities on the propagation characteristics of waves, aiming to uncover new insights into the dynamic behavior of tensegrity-based systems.