Development, realization, and experimental validation of an active hybrid roof structure based on elastic kinetic and rigid-body transformation

Abstract

Elastic kinetic structures are a recent approach to design transformable structures. Their transformation is based on elastic bending, that is compliant component behavior of structural members. This principle can be used to realize transformable structures with a stable deployment process. Regardless of a stable transformation, elastic kinetic structures are prone to static and dynamic loads due to their lightweight design. However, most of current research on these structures solely focuses on the principles of transformation. This paper proposes a concept for an active hybrid roof structure with a transformation based on elastic kinetics and rigid-body motion. The concept exhibits a stable structural deployment and active control components to counteract static and dynamic disturbances. Furthermore, this paper includes the realization and experimental evaluation of a mid-scale prototype structure.