• Architectural research
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.31-40
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• 2015

A simple force-finding process based on an optimization technique is proposed for tensegrity structures. For this purpose, the inverse problem of form-finding process is formulated. Therefore, the position vector of nodes and element connectivity information are provided as priori. Several benchmark tests are carried out to demonstrate the performance of the present force-finding process. In particular, the force density distributions of simplex tensegrity are thoroughly investigated with the important parameters such as the radius, height and twisting angle of simplex tensegrity. Finally, the force density distribution of arch tensegrity is produced by using the present force-finding process for a future reference solution.

• Journal of Korean Association for Spatial Structures
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• v.2 no.1 s.3
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• pp.75-84
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• 2002

In this study, the 'force density method' for shape finding of cable net structures is presented. This concept is based on the force-length ratios or force densities which are defined for each branch of the net structures. This method renders a simple linear 'analytical form finding' possible. If the free choice of the force densities is restricted by further condition, the linear method is extended to a nonlinear one. The nonlinear one can be applied to the detailed computation of networks. In this paper, the general inverse matrix is introduced to solve the nonlinear equilibrium equation including Jacobian matrix which is rectangular matrix. Several examples for linear and nonlinear analysis applied additional constraints are presented. It is shown that the force density method is suitable for form finding of cable net and the general inverse matrix can be applied to solve the nonlinear equation without Lagrangian factors.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.191-210
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• 2012

The Force Density Method (FDM) is a well known and extremely versatile tool in form finding of cable nets. In its linear formulation such method makes it possible to find all the possible equilibrium configurations of a net of cables having a certain given connectivity and given boundary conditions on the nodes. Each singular configuration corresponds to an assumed force density distribution. Its improvement as Non-Linear Force Density Method (NLFDM) introduces the possibility of imposing assigned relative distances among the nodes, the tensile level in the elements and/or their initial undeformed length. In this paper an Extended Force Density Method (EFDM) is proposed, which makes it possible to set conditions in terms of given fixed nodal reactions or, in other words, to fix the positions of a certain number of nodes and, at the same time, to impose the intensity of the reaction force. Through such extension, the (EFDM) enables us to deal with form findings problems of cable nets subjected to given constraints and, in particular, with mixed structures, made of cables and struts. The efficiency and the robustness of method are assessed through comparisons with other form finding techniques in dealing with characteristic applications to the prestress design of cable systems. As a further extension, the EFDM is applied to structures having some parts not yet geometrically defined, as can happen in designing new creative forms.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.1045-1059
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• 2015

Form-finding for cable-membrane structures is a delicate operation. During the last decades, the force density method (FDM) was considered to be an efficient method to address the problem. Many researchers were devoted to improving this method and proposed many methods such as natural force density method (NFDM), improved nonlinear force density method (INFDM), et al. In this paper, a modified nonlinear force density method (MNFDM) is proposed. In this method, the stresses of membrane elements were transformed to the force-densities of cable nets by an equivalent relationship, and then they can be used as initial conditions. By comparing with the forming finding results by using the FDM, NFDM, INFDM and MNFDM, it had demonstrated that the MNFDM presented in this paper is the most efficient and precise.

• International journal of steel structures
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.1654-1665
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• 2018

In an irregular prism tensegrity, the number of force equilibrium equations is less than the number of unknown parameters of nodal coordinates and member force ratios. As a result, the form-finding process normally becomes nonlinear with additional conditions or needs to be carried out with the use of iterative procedures. For cases of irregular prism tensegrity which involves large number of members, it was found that previously proposed methods of form-finding are not practical. Moreover, there is a need for a form-finding approach which is able to cater to different requirements on final configuration. In this paper, the length relation condition is introduced to be used in combination with the force equilibrium equation. With the combined use of length relation and equilibrium conditions, a linear form-finding approach for irregular prism tensegrity was successfully formulated and developed. An easy-to-use interactive form-finding tool has been developed which can be used for form-finding of irregular prism tensegrities with large number of elements as well as under diverse specific requirements on their configurations.

• Journal of Korean Association for Spatial Structures
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.49-59
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• 2011

This paper presents a new numerical method by using Singular Value Decomposition force method for form-finding of tensegrity structures with constraints. In order to maintain the tensegrity structures stable, state of self-equilibrium stress should be introduced. The existing force method has some advantages about form-finding of tensegrity structures. However, this method has complex formulation. In force density method, dummy members are required for form -finding of tensegrity structures with constraints. Therefore this study proposes new force method using Singular value decomposition. The proposed method is both having easy basic consept and simple computation than existing force method. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the efficiency and robustness in searching initial single integral feasible self-stress mode for tensegrity structures with constraints.

• Journal of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute of Korea
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.313-320
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• 2014

A tensegrity structure consists of a set of continuous cables in tension and a set of discontinuous struts in compression. The tensegrity structure can be classified into self-stressed and pre-stressed pin-jointed structure. A key step in the design of tensegrity structures is the determination of their equilibrium configuration, known as form-finding. In this paper, three effective methods are presented for form-finding of tensegrity structures. After performing form-finding process, a set of force density and corresponding topology results can be obtained. Then the force density method combined with a genetic algorithm is adopted to uniquely define a single integral feasible set of force densities. Numerical examples are presented that demonstrate the excellent performance of the algorithms.

• Journal of Korean Association for Spatial Structures
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.49-56
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• 2021

This study aims to develop a form-finding algorithm for a single-layered pneumatic membrane. The initial shape of this pneumatic membrane, which is an air-supported type pneumatic membrane, is to find a state in which a given initial tension and internal pneumatic pressure are in equilibrium. The algorithm developed to satisfy these conditions is that a nonlinear optimization problem based on the force method considering the deformed shape is formulated, and, it's able to find the shape by iteratively repeating the process of obtaining a solution of the governing equations. An computational technique based on the Gauss-Newton method was used as a method for obtaining solutions of nonlinear equations. In order to verify the validity of the proposed form-finding algorithm, a single-curvature pneumatic membrane example and a double-curvature air pneumatic membrane example were adopted, respectively. In the results of these examples, it was possible to well observe the step-by-step convergence process of the shape of the pneumatic membrane, and it was also possible to confirm the change in shape according to the air pressure. In addition, the calculation results of the shape and internal force after deformation due to initial tension, air pressure, and self-weight were obtained.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.67 no.6
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• pp.555-563
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• 2018

Architectural fabrics membranes have not only the structural performance but also act as an efficient cladding to cover large areas. Because of the direct relationship between form and force distribution in tension membrane structures, form-finding procedure is an important issue. Ideally, once the optimal form is found, a uniform pre-stressing is applied to the fabric which takes the form of a minimal surface. The force density method is one of the most efficient computational form-finding techniques to solve the initial equilibrium equations. In this method, the force density ratios of the borders to the membrane is the main parameter for shape-finding. In fact, the shape is evolved and improved with the help of the stress state that is combined with the desired boundary conditions. This paper is evaluated the optimum amount of this ratio considering the curvature of the flexible boarders for structural configurations, i.e., hypar and conic membranes. Results of this study can be used (in the absence of the guidelines) for the fast and optimal design of fabric structures.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.103-113
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• 2002

Distraction osteogenesis is a biologic process of new bone formation between the surfaces of bone segments that are gradually separated by incremental traction. Distraction osteogenesis is clinically applied as a new treatment modality of mandibular hypoplasia or bony defect area in maxillofacial area by many studies of distraction devices and method. But, disadvantages of distraction osteogenesis shows unfavorably long consolidation period and relapse tendency. Therefore, this experiment was designed to investigate the effectiveness of combined application of distraction and compression force for improving of bone quality and shortening of treatment period during distraction osteogenesis. Twenty-five Sprague-Dawley rats with $300{\sim}350gm$ were used. These were divided into two group as distraction group and combination group. The distraction group was added with conventional method during distraction osteogenesis, but the combination group was applied with compression force in the consolidation period. The rats were sacrificed for gross finding, radiographic and histologic findings at 3, 6 weeks after distraction. The results were as follow: 1. On radiographic finding, all combination of distraction and compression force group appeared more radiopacity than distraction group both at 3 weeks and 6 weeks after distraction group. 2. On histologic finding, the formation of mature lamellar bone were showed increasingly in combined group at 6weeks after distraction group. From this study, we may suggest that compression force application in consolidation period during distraction osteogenesis can be useful method to improve bone quality and to shorten the treatment period. But more experimental and clinical studies is necessitated on ideal application timing and method of compression force application during distraction osteogenesis.