Simulation and Optimization Method of Tensegrity Structure with Elastic Membrane as Tension Material

Abstract

In this study, the form-finding process and structural analysis of tensegrity was simulated through the simulation program based on Dynamic Relaxation method, taking the temporary tensegrity tent “Memboo (Membrane + Bamboo)” as an example (hereafter referred to as “this structure”), which uses a membrane material as the tension material designed by Suehiro Lab Bamboo team. Then, using genetic algorithm, the possible optimized shape of the tensegrity structure is simulated. On this basis, experiments using 1/4 and 1/2 models of this structure is implemented to verify simulation results. Workflow is formed using the software Rhinoceros and the parametric design platform Grasshopper, which are frequently used by architectural designers. In Chap. 16, the form-finding process of this structure is simulated by the particle motion simulation plug-in “Kangaroo 2” (abbreviated to K2 hereinafter). In Chap. 17, structural analysis is done by using “K2 Engineering”. In Chap. 18, measuring experiments are conducted and the results obtained by simulation and the experiments are analyzed. In Chap. 26, optimization solution using the Genetic Algorithm plug-in “Octopus” is obtained. In Chap. 8, the application of this simulation program is discussed. This research aims at grasping structural characteristics of a membrane tensegrity structure and designing optimization by simulation.