Deployable structures and their applications in architecture: Geometric design and kinematics of mirrored scissor assemblies

Liao, Yuan

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125620 Copy

Description

Title

Deployable structures and their applications in architecture: Geometric design and kinematics of mirrored scissor assemblies

Author(s)

Liao, Yuan

Issue Date

2024-07-12

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Krishnan, Sudarshan

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Krishnan, Sudarshan

Committee Member(s)

• Aminmansour, Abbas
• Bognar, Botond
• Kiper, Gökhan

Department of Study

Architecture

Discipline

Architecture

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Deployable structure
• scissor mechanism
• architecture
• kinematics
• emergency shleter

Abstract

Scissor structure is a favored type of deployable structure for both space engineering and earth construction, owing to its unique advantages of flexibility and lightness. Scissor deployable structures can be constructed by combining a number of basic moveable units (scissor units) to form scalable 2D or 3D grid systems. In traditional design methods, various designs were created primarily by adjusting the dimensions and shapes of basic units. This research introduced a new design methodology. It applies different assembly methods to achieve distinct symmetries or topological structures between the connected units, thereby creating new types of deployable structures. This method introduces an additional factor (assembly methods) to the design process, broadening the potential and adaptability of deployable structures in various forms, motion modes, structural behaviors, and application scenarios. This research has two objectives: firstly, design a new generation of deployable structures and examine their kinematic performance; secondly, conduct a prototype design of emergency shelters for post-disaster relief using the proposed structures. For the first goal, graphical and analytical methods are employed to explore the basic concepts and design formulas of the structure. The second objective is investigated using digital modeling and simulation methods. Both parametric design software, including Rhino and Grasshopper, and finite element method based programs, such as Karamba3D, are used to design and examine the shelter. A series of novel forms using tripod scissor units have been investigated, which has revealed the merits of the proposed structure, including high deployment-to-stowage ratio, curling transformation, self-supporting in the deployed configuration, single kinematic degree-of-freedom, and stress-free in all stages. These properties can find perfect use in the design of emergency shelters. Therefore, a preliminary emergency shelter design has been created to show its potential application. For the next stage, a mathematical design procedure should be developed to achieve all the possible forms and the related design equations. In addition, a comprehensive kinematic study is necessary to examine the kinetic behavior of the proposed structure. Finally, the tripod scissor structure is applied in the emergency shelter design to achieve its practicability. This interdisciplinary study integrates the investigations of architecture and engineering. The work presented in this research synthesizes the design, analysis, and application of deployable structures. On one hand, it expands the knowledge of deployable structures by developing new forms and design methods. On the other hand, it proposed a new solution for the design of emergency shelters, which can improve the efficiency and quality of disaster relief to save more lives from natural hazards.

Graduation Semester

2024-08

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125620

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2024 Yuan Liao

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