ABSTRACT
Chapter 4 presents two approaches to the analysis of tensegrity metamaterials and metastructures: discrete and continuum models. Tensegrity systems can be relatively easily described by means of discrete models, either by using the finite element method (FEM) or by directly formulating the tasks algebraically. Both techniques are formally precise and make it possible to include an influence of self-stress on structural response. However, due to high complexity of tensegrities, it is often difficult to estimate their properties using only discrete methods. An interesting approach that makes it possible to determine and understand mechanical characteristics of these unique structures is the application of a continuum model. The continuum model of tensegrity systems, which is discussed in this study, can be successfully used in the recently developed area of tensegrity-inspired metamaterials and lattices, as well as for the evaluation of extremal mechanical properties of these systems. The last part of this chapter discusses scale effects in the continuum approach. It is shown that the proposed continuum model can be generalised to models that take into account higher gradients of displacements.
