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.
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.