AbstractTensegrity structures are a special class of lightweight truss structures, where all truss elementsare axially loaded and tensile truss elements are made of strings. This paper presentsthe dynamic analysis of a tensegrity structure by comparing a finite element model with anidentified model obtained from experimental data. Experimental data is obtained by placinga three stage tensegrity structure on a shaker table and measuring frequency responses betweenthe moving support and multiple accelerometers placed on the structure. An identifiedSingle-Input-Multiple-Output (SIMO) linear model is found by a SIMO curve fitting of themeasured frequency responses. To complete the dynamic analysis, the estimated model alongwith the identified resonance modes and damping coefficients are used to compare and finetune a fine element based model.Keywords: tensegrity structure, dynamic analysis, frequency domain identification, finite elementmodels1 IntroductionTruss structures, where all truss members are axially loaded and separated in tensile and compressiveload carrying members, form a basis for the design of tensegrity structures. As such,tensegrity structures differ from regular trusses by purposefully designing all tensile elements tobe strings. The result is a lightweight structure with comparable stiffness properties to regulartruss structures. Tensegrity structures were first introduced as an art form in 1948 by Snelson(1965). The work by Fuller (1962) recognized their engineering values.Tensegrity structures can be designed such that no compressive elements are in direct contact(class 1 tensegrity). Connections between compressive elements are achieved by flexible tensilestring elements. For the design of these flexible tensegrity structures much attention has beenpaid to the static construction and mechanical stability of the structure (Pellegrino and Calladine1985), (Pellegrino 1989) and (Motro 1992). For a comprehensive static analysis of tensegritystructures one is also referred to Sultan (1999) or Sultan et al. (2003). Due to the inherent tunable
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