Geometric design of scissor-type deployable structures based on structural behavior

A deployable structure is a type of adaptive architecture, which can transform from a fully compacted shape to a predetermined functional state. Due to technological development and environmental changes, this type of structure is increasing in demand. More research is necessary to improve the designs on the market and are available to the builders. In contrast to the topic that engineers have mostly studied, this proposed research focuses on the parametric improvement of deployable structures on the basis of structural and functional performance considering both architectural and structural factors. Much of the research has been on applications in outer space; this research focuses on earthly structures. This dissertation presents optimized parametric designs for scissor-type deployable structures based on their structural and functional performance. To achieve this goal, a data-driven framework was developed that automatically makes decisions based on evaluating and interpreting analytical data. The analytical data were obtained using a series of proposed models that calculate geometric design and simulate corresponding structural responses. This dissertation includes mathematical models and methods: 1. The geometric model calculates the design parameters necessary to ensure the compactness and uninterrupted transformation of scissor-type deployable structures. The secant method was used to converge accurate results to solve nonlinear equations steadily; 2. The stiffness behavior model simulates deflections and member forces of deployable structures under designed loads using the Finite Element Method; 3. The optimization procedure optimizes the geometric parameters and member selections for multiple objectives, including stiffness performance, lesser self-weight, and lesser number of connections. This model engages the Genetic Algorithm for concluding the optimal solutions; 4. The member/local buckling model identifies the boundary conditions of each member in the system and corresponding deflections and buckling modes under designed loads based on the Euler-Bernoulli theory; 5. The geometric nonlinear model simulates the buckling modes and global stability limit state for deployable structures under loads using the nonlinear Finite Element Method. By incorporating these methodologies, the data-driven framework was able to generate a parametric design that is structurally efficient, functionally preferable, and satisfies serviceability and strength requirements. Finally, this dissertation details the members and connections based on the steel products as specified in Part-II of the AISC Steel Construction Manual to satisfy the motion and strength requirements. The proposed models and the geometric optimization procedure can be modified to simulate and improve the design of other types of deployable structures, such as polar scissor units and three-dimensional polygonal units. This study will promote the earthly applications of deployable structures and aims to address the increasing demand for adaptive architecture.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Architecture

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2023

Author dc:creator

• Li, Yaxin

Contributors dc:contributor

• Hemingway, Erik
• Krishnan, Sudarshan
• James, Kai
• Aminmansour, Abbas

• Geometric Design
• Deployable Structures
• Domes
• Structural Behavior
• Optimization

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2023 Yaxin Li

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/121241

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F121241