Wave Propagation Characteristics of the Four-Bar Rotational Tensegrity Structure

Tensegrity structures, due to their lightweight design, represent an ideal structural form for modular assembly of large-scale aerospace systems. This study develops a systematic computational framework based on unit cell analysis, aimed at exploring wave propagation in such modular tensegrity structures. Combining theory and numerical simulations, we comprehensively analyze the wave behavior of large-scale structures composed of four-bar rotational tensegrity units. The effects of self-stress and geometric parameters on the band structure are investigated. Results show that self-stress has a limited impact, while geometric parameters significantly affect the starting and cutoff frequencies of band gaps. Further analysis reveals that when four-bar rotational tensegrity units are assembled with alternating rotation, the group velocity exhibits isotropic propagation at 10 Hz and anisotropic behavior at 50 Hz, with energy propagating faster along the diagonals. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to calculate the transmission rate and nodal responses of finite lattice structures under pulse excitation, validating the theoretical analyses of band gaps and group velocities in infinite lattice structures. This work provides a framework for analyzing wave propagation in large modular tensegrity structures, enabling the identification of band gaps and directional wave propagation.