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Determination of the Mechanical Properties of Flexible Connectors for Use in Insulated Concrete Wall Panels

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Computational Modelling of a Prestressed Tensegrity Core in a Sandwich Panel.

Jan Pełczyński¹, Kamila Martyniuk-Sienkiewicz¹

¹Faculty of Civil Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, Al. Armii Ludowej 16, 00-637 Warsaw, Poland.

Materials (Basel, Switzerland)

|November 13, 2025

Summary

This study introduces a finite element modeling method for tensegrity structures, optimizing prestress for stable, lightweight sandwich panels. The M2 configuration shows promise for adaptive structures due to its variable stiffness.

Keywords:

finite element modelling prestress sandwich panels tensegrity

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Area of Science:

Structural Engineering
Materials Science
Computational Mechanics

Background:

Tensegrity structures offer high strength-to-weight ratios and reversible deformations.
Utilizing tensegrity as sandwich panel cores enables lightweight design and tunable mechanical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and validate a finite element modeling procedure for tensegrity sandwich panel cores.
To investigate the mechanical behavior and stability of different tensegrity configurations under prestress.

Main Methods:

Finite element modeling combined with singular value decomposition for prestress analysis.
Automation of geometry generation and prestress definition using Python 3 scripts.
Algebraic analysis of individual modules using Wolfram Mathematica.

Main Results:

Model M1 (four identical modules) showed linear elastic behavior and constant stiffness (13.9 kN/mm).
Model M2 (mirrored pairs) exhibited nonlinear hardening behavior with variable stiffness (0.135–1.1 kN/mm) and required prestress for stability.
Eigenvalue analysis confirmed M1's stability and M2's enhanced stability with prestress.

Conclusions:

The proposed method allows precise control over prestress distribution in tensegrity structures.
The M2 configuration's sensitivity to prestress and variable stiffness makes it suitable for adaptive morphing structures and deployable systems.