Optimum Adaptation of Intelligent Truss Structures

Intelligent structures that can actively change their geometric configura tions, as well as their mechanical properties, are developed to meet various space mission requirements. In this paper, optimal shapes of an intelligent truss structure under a variety of external loading conditions are investigated. The intelligent truss to be considered is a type of statically determinate truss structure that changes its configuration by lengthening or shortening some active member's lengths. For this intelligent truss structure, an op timization problem is defined: when the load is applied in a specified direction, an attempt is made to find an optimal shape of adaptation to attain its maximum structural strength. With the geometric design variables corresponding to the lengths of the active members adopted, the optimization is carried out by using a Multiplier Method. The numerical results indicate that the intelligent truss structure can provide much higher structural strength than a fixed truss structure by taking the optimal adaptive shape.