AME - Design and analysis of a thermal tensegrity structure

Tensegrity describes the design of structures so that all of the connecting elements are in tension.  The concept was developed in the 1960s for architectural and artistic applications by multiple investigators including Buckminster Fuller, who coined the term.  Examples are “impossible tables” that create the illusion of a floating surface when the tensile elements are thin or transparent.  Tensile elements can be much thinner than risers which must resist buckling or bending deflections. This has the potential to lead to much larger thermal resistances. We are exploring the design of thermal tensegrity structures. This involves structurally rigid structures that also resist the flow of heat. It is motivated by a specific need in an additive manufacturing process to limit the heat transfer while minimizing the compliance. Both modeling and experimental studies will be conducted and demonstration structures fabricated.

Name of research group, project, or lab
Laser Precision Manufacturing Laboratory
Why join this research group or lab?

Advance laser-based fabrication methods and apply advanced laser-based fabrication to a range of problems.  The laboratory has several state-of-the-art systems which are being applied in innovative ways.

Logistics Information:
Project categories
Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
Civil & Environmental Engineerng & Earth Sciences
Student ranks applicable
Junior
Senior
Graduate Student
Student qualifications

The biggest qualification is enthusiasm.  Making substantive progress will require 10 hours a week minimum.  Having basic CAD skills will be very helpful.  Understanding solid mechanics and heat transfer would be beneficial but not required. 

Hours per week
3 credits / 12+ hours
Summer - Full Time
Summer - Part Time
Compensation
Research for Credit
Number of openings
2
Techniques learned

Thermal measurements using an IR camera as well as thermal couples.  Stress-strain measurements using a computer-controlled tensile testing machine.  Coupled thermo/mechanical design.

Project start
Spring semester 2025
Contact Information:
Mentor
ekinzel@nd.edu
Associate Professor
Name of project director or principal investigator
Edward Kinzel
Email address of project director or principal investigator
ekinzel@nd.edu
2 sp. | 1 appl.
Hours per week
3 credits / 12+ hours (+2)
3 credits / 12+ hoursSummer - Full TimeSummer - Part Time
Project categories
Civil & Environmental Engineerng & Earth Sciences (+1)
Aerospace and Mechanical EngineeringCivil & Environmental Engineerng & Earth Sciences