Structural Analysis of Deployable Structure with Scissor-like-element in Architectural Design Class

A deployable structure with scissor-like-element is designed and constructed in architectural design class. In parallel, structural analyses are carried out using general finite element analysis program to evaluate the stability of intermediate models considered in the design process and determine the configuration of the final product. ods in deployable structure with scissor-like-element are modeled by beam element and hinge and pivotal joints are modeled by setting different nodes per rod located at these joints and imposing constraint equations on these nodal degrees-of-freedom. Stiffening effect by nylon ropes set up diagonally between hinge joints after the deployment is evaluated by the eigenvalue analysis. Beside structural analysis, architectural design process and the final product of deployable structure with scissor-like-element are described.