Truth and Myths about 2D Tensegrity Trusses

Abstract

The concept of tensegrity is understood in many ways. This term is often improperly used for structures that have some, but not necessarily the key, tensegrity properties. The concept of tensegrity systems is misused in reference to both mathematical models and completed engineering structures. The aim of the study is to indicate which of the plane (2D) trusses presented in the literature are erroneously classified as tensegrities. Singular value decomposition of the compatibility matrix and spectral analysis of the stiffness matrix with the effect of self-equilibrated forces is used for the analysis. A new precise definition of tensegrity trusses is proposed and implemented.