Tensegrity structures with embedded inertial amplification mechanisms

In this thesis, novel tensegrity structures with embedded inertial amplification mechanisms are designed to obtain wide and deep low frequency band gaps. Two different lever type tensegrity structures (LTTSs) are introduced, which has one lever or two levers in their unit cells. Analytical models of these two types of LTTSs are obtained. Vibration isolation performance of these unit cells is determined and compared with the band structure of one-dimensional periodic systems that use these unit cells. Parametric studies are conducted to see how the system parameters affect the resonance and antiresonance frequencies of the one lever and two lever LTTSs. One lever LTTS shows low-pass filter type response whereas two lever LTTS can show low pass or band stop filter type response depending on the system parameters. To achieve effective vibration isolation at low frequencies, band gap should be as wide as possible. Moreover, to achieve high level of attenuation within the band gap, imaginary part of the wave vector should be as deep as possible. To achieve wide and deep band gaps, optimization study is performed via genetic algorithm. Prototype of the two lever LTTS having optimized parameters is manufactured. It is shown that analytical and experimental frequency responses are compatible.