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Structural design and integral assembly procedure of rigid-flexible tensegrity airship structure.

Authors :
Li, Shiping
Hu, Jianhui
Chen, Longlong
Zhang, Yibei
Mi, Xiang
Huang, Xiaohui
Chen, Wujun
Source :
Engineering Structures. Jun2023, Vol. 284, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

A rigid-flexible tensegrity airship structure is proposed through the systematic research and design of the wheel spoke–shaped stiffening ring, carbon fiber–reinforced polymer slender cable, central longitudinal compression truss, and spherical multi-part integration assemblage. This structure aimed to fully utilize the structural performance advantages of a semi-rigid airship and the self-equilibrating characteristics of a tensegrity structure. The design of the spherical multi-part integration assemblage facilitates the rotation of a wheel spoke–shaped stiffening ring and enhances the installation efficiency of longitudinal cables. The tensegrity system is applied to the rigid-flexible integrated airship structure to make the main compression-bearing shaft bear the compressive stress and the longitudinal cables bear the tensile stress, thereby creating a rigid-flexible tensegrity airship structure with the self-equilibrating system. The feasibility of the structural design, component preparation, and integrated assembly technology of the rigid-flexible tensegrity airship has been effectively verified and evaluated by the integral assembly procedure, which ensures the assembly safety and reliability of the airship structure. The rigid-flexible tensegrity airship structure exhibits a clear load transfer path, high stiffness, bearing capacity, and strong shape retention capacity under low pressure conditions, which provides an ideal structural form for the stratospheric airship. • A new modular large-scale CFRP wheel spoke–shaped stiffening ring is proposed. • A CFRP slender cable with a geometric locking end-fitting is designed and developed. • A new type of spherical multi-part integration assemblage is designed to facilitate the installation of longitudinal cables. • Two types of large-span central longitudinal compression trusses are designed and developed. • The tensegrity system is applied to create a rigid-flexible tensegrity airship structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
01410296
Volume :
284
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Engineering Structures
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
162893736
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2023.115803