Flextegrity simple cubic lattices

Article Engineering, Mechanical

Energy harnessing in the snap-through motion of a flexural-tensegrity flagellum

Claudio Boni et al.

Summary: Flexural tensegrity is a structural concept that ensures the flexural integrity of a chain of segments through the relative rotation of prestressing tendons. Increasing the internal mobility of the tendons inside hollow segments allows for multiple stable equilibrium configurations and complex multi-articulated snap-through motion. The design concept has applications in collapsible-deployable micro- and macro-structures, robotics, and metamaterials with memory.

MECHANISM AND MACHINE THEORY (2022)

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Article Engineering, Mechanical

Flexural-tensegrity snapping tails for bio-inspired propulsion in fluids

Claudio Boni et al.

Summary: An artificial propulsion device inspired by aquatic animals' tail flapping motion is proposed in this study. By utilizing a snapping cantilever beam based on flexural tensegrity, the device is capable of producing sequential snapping of multiple joints, enabling propulsion.

EXTREME MECHANICS LETTERS (2022)

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Article Engineering, Multidisciplinary

A nonlocal elastica inspired by flexural tensegrity

Claudio Boni et al.

Summary: A nonlocal theory is presented for the bending in large deformations under applied loads of an initially straight rod, which is similar to the classical Euler's elastica. The comparison between the continuum theory and the discrete case of flexural tensegrity highlights the physical role of the constitutive parameters.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING SCIENCE (2021)

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Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Equilibrium of bi-stable flexural-tensegrity segmental beams

Claudio Boni et al.

Summary: This study discusses a model of one-dimensional discrete system to interpret the complex equilibrium states of materials supporting multiple crystallographic phases, foldable macromolecules, and biological structures. The study also proposes a discrete system for bending within the broad class of flexural-tensegrity beams, with constitutive response showing non-local effects.

JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICS AND PHYSICS OF SOLIDS (2021)

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Article Multidisciplinary Sciences