Optimal adaptive geometry of intelligent truss structures.

An intelligent structure concept which can freely change its geometric configuration as well as its physical properties is developed to meet various space mission requirements. In this paper, the optimal geometry of an intelligent truss structure with some of its member's lengths actively controlled is investigated. Structural analysis is performed by means of a matrix method and the optimization of the truss geometry is carried out by using the multiplier method. It is shown that for a load applied from a given direction, the optimal truss geometry obtained by adjusting the lengths of the active members provides a higher structural strength than a fixed truss structure.