On the wave dynamics of microscale bistable tensegrity structures

This work deals with the design, the mechanical modeling and the experimental testing of microscale lattice structures tessellating bistable tensegrity prisms. The analyzed units have only one internal mechanism and one self-stress state, and can be transformed into bistable structures, by replacing the cables with bars, and suitably adjusting the members’ lengths. We experimentally validate the theoretical prediction of the response of spatial assemblies of such units, through mechanical tests on physical models fabricated by multiphoton lithography. We also numerically show that the examined structures support the propagation of compact compression waves under impact loading, which paves the way to their use for the fabrication of novel acoustic lenses with tensegrity architecture.