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Polarities in structural analysis and design: n-dimensional graphic statics and structural transformations

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Konstantatou, Marina  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0593-9407
D'Acunto, P 

Abstract

This paper proposes a unified and entirely geometrical methodology for generating 2D and 3D force diagrams for given planar and spatial trusses in static equilibrium within the context of graphic statics. The trusses, regarded as form diagrams, are projections of higher dimensional simply-connected stress functions, can be either self—stressed or loaded with external forces, and need not be tension-only/ compression-only. First, we provide an in-depth overview of fundamental notions of graphic statics and projective geometry related to the construction of reciprocal form and force diagrams. Specifically, we describe a series of polar transformations and discuss them from a geometric and an algebraic standpoint. Moreover, we provide an exegesis and visualization of Maxwell’s reciprocal methods while discussing them within the scientific framework of his time. We then develop a contemporary graphic statics framework grounded on projective geometry and higher-dimensional reciprocal stress functions. Within this framework, we provide a general methodology for deriving any type of reciprocal diagrams for the planar and the spatial case. Advantages of this method include: direct control on any of the four reciprocal objects (form diagram, force diagram, corresponding stress functions) and no need for iterative/ procedural reconstruction of any of the diagrams since it is based on direct geometrical transformations. Finally, we highlight how duality, and in particular polarity, can be used for a wide range of applications in structural analysis and design.

Description

Keywords

Structural design, Graphic statics, Reciprocal diagrams, Airy stress function, Static equilibrium, Maxwell, Rankine, Cremona, Poncelet duality, Projective geometry

Journal Title

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0020-7683
1879-2146

Volume Title

152-153

Publisher

Elsevier BV
Sponsorship
EPSRC (1549448)
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/L016095/1)