FOLDING-UNFOLDING OF TENSEGRITY SYSTEMS BY REMOVAL OF SELF-STRESS

This paper deals with tensegrity system folding, by self stress removal. Two methods are described. Each of them is associated with a basic unit: Two way extender on one side, and truss member on the other side. After a description of the folding process for these basic units, the generalization is demonstrated for a flat double layer grid. All the theorical prpositions are validated by physical models