ABSTRACT
Bending-active structures, originally inspired from natural systems, have validated their capabilities in achieving adaptive forms through implemented examples and research activities by the engineering community. Composed out of lightweight thin planar materials of low bending stiffness, bending-active members are characterised with reversible deformational behavior, minimizing the risk of high energy consumption in their transformation. In this framework, the paper seeks to investigate hybrid structures of bending- with tension-active members, aiming at revealing their structural deformational behavior in relation to both, residual stresses and bending stiffness values. Shrinkage of the cables length is responsible for the achievement of different configuration states of the structure, as well as the kinematics of the systems. The multi-step Finite Element Analysis conducted provides at the same time an insight into the form-finding process and force distribution mechanism by the structural members.
