Analytical solution to the form-finding problem for tensegrities using the all minors theorem in algebra

A procedure to obtain an equilibrium configuration of tensegrities is presented. The method proposed is based on a well-known theorem of algebra which allows the coefficients in the characteristic polynomial of a matrix to be obtained as the sum of the principal minors. The primary advantage of the procedure proposed lies in the simplicity of its implementation and the fact that it can provide an analytical solution to the form-finding problem for large tensegrity structures. This procedure is particularly valuable since the high computational cost of obtaining the different analytical solutions, rather than a single numerical one, would otherwise be infeasible. The methodology is especially beneficial for tensegrity structures derived from specific topological patterns, where the inherent repetitiveness of topological connectivity can significantly reduce the number of minors that need to be computed.

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Publication Details

Journal
Mathematics and Mechanics of Solids
Published
2025-09-19
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/10812865251367676
Primary Topic
Structural Analysis and Optimization
Type
article
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article

Analytical solution to the form-finding problem for tensegrities using the all minors theorem in algebra

Enrique Hernández‐Montes, Antonio Palomares, Luisa María Gil‐Martín
Mathematics and Mechanics of Solids
Structural Analysis and Optimization
article

Analytical solution to the form-finding problem for tensegrities using the all minors theorem in algebra

Enrique Hernández‐Montes, Antonio Palomares, Luisa María Gil‐Martín
article en

Abstract

A procedure to obtain an equilibrium configuration of tensegrities is presented. The method proposed is based on a well-known theorem of algebra which allows the coefficients in the characteristic polynomial of a matrix to be obtained as the sum of the principal minors. The primary advantage of the procedure proposed lies in the simplicity of its implementation and the fact that it can provide an analytical solution to the form-finding problem for large tensegrity structures. This procedure is particularly valuable since the high computational cost of obtaining the different analytical solutions, rather than a single numerical one, would otherwise be infeasible. The methodology is especially beneficial for tensegrity structures derived from specific topological patterns, where the inherent repetitiveness of topological connectivity can significantly reduce the number of minors that need to be computed.

Mathematics and Mechanics of Solids
Universidad de Granada (ES)
Openalex Percentile: Top 73%
Structural Analysis and Optimization
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