Form finding of tensegrity-based cable dome based on monte carlo algorithm

Abstract Tensegrity structures have been widely applied in the fields of cable domes, robotics, and sensors, due to their advantages of lightweight, accurate modeling, and deployable. This paper addresses the form-finding problem of tensegrity-based cable domes. An approach on the basis of the Monte Carlo algorithm is proposed to identify self-equilibrium configurations of cable domes. Afterward, the force density model and equilibrium equations are established, which lays the foundation for theoretical structural analysis. In addition, the rank deficiency conditions are obtained in order to guarantee structural stability and optimal pre-stress. Then, an optimization model of minimization error is developed to find the equilibrium configurations of cable domes. By treating force density as a variable in the Monte Carlo sampling process, the proposed approach can explore a vast solution space to pinpoint the optimal prestress distribution and structural configuration from numerous possibilities. Numerical experiments have been carried out. The results indicate that the desired structure can be obtained swiftly by using the proposed algorithm with enhanced efficiency. The proposed method can present substantial practical value for the design and construction of tensegrity-based cable domes.