Mass optimized self-actuated panels for several truss core topologies

Abstract

Sandwich panels with truss cores offer possibilities for self-actuation. They are analyzed, with emphasis on mass optimal design for failure and stiffness. It is shown that introducing additional freedom in selecting the topology of tetrahedral or pyramidal cores, by 1) making the core units, or even all core members, disjoint, so varying the distance between core units becomes possible, 2) using multiple layers, brings significant advantages. For some conditions, the performance of the modified panel becomes better by a factor of two, causing actuated truss core panels to perform at least as well as, or even better than, panels with, e.g., honeycomb cores, that do not easily allow core actuation. A special case of the analysis is the mass optimal design of panels with 3D-Kagome truss units, which can be regarded as a special geometry for a tensegrity prism.