Transition from Rod- to Surface-Like Components

Associated Project 5 (AP 5)

IntCDC Associated Project 5
FORCE TRANSFER AND ACTUATION IN THE TRANSITION ZONE BETWEEN ROD-SHAPED AND SURFACE-LIKE BUILDING COMPONENTS

The aim of this project is the development of transition zones between rod-shaped and planar structural elements, in which the mechanical properties and the component geometry can be controlled and adapted to various external and environmental conditions. Source of ideas are provided by plant organs, which permanently connect rod-shaped and flat elements by gradual transitions of their geometry and inner structure. They adapt their stiffness to changing environmental conditions, and achieve motions by utilising elastic deformation, without the need of mechanical connections. Adaptive construction components with gradual transitions between components can form the basis for building structures and facades, which can constantly react to changing physical conditions - improving the sustainability of architecture.

It is the main objective of this project to develop large-scale surface-like fibre reinforced composite components, which utilise in the material integrated pneumatic actuators to enable motion, and adaptation of stiffness. This approach allows the panels to be efficiently designed and manufactured to withstand regular loading situations, but to adjust their geometry and stiffness when the load exceeds a certain level. The transition zone from the rod-shaped to the flat component parts is of particular interest, since point loads on columns and bearings often prove to be critical for the construction of thin fibre-reinforced composite components.

 

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jan Knippers
Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE), University of Stuttgart
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Götz T. Gresser
Institute for Textile and Fiber Technologies (ITFT), University of Stuttgart

TEAM

Dr.-Ing. Larissa Born (ITFT)
Dr.-Ing. Axel Körner (ITKE)

PARTNERS

Dr. Olga Speck, Max Langer – Plant Biomechanics Group Freiburg (FR PBG), University of Freiburg

FUNDING

Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst (MWK -33-7533.-30-121/15/3)

 

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS

  1. 2021

    1. Mühlich, M., Gonzales, E. A., Born, L., Körner, A., Schwill, L., Gresser, G. T., & Knippers, J. (2021). Deformation Behavior of Elastomer-Glass Fiber-Reinforced Plastics in Dependence of Pneumatic Actuation. Biomimetics, 6(3), Article 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030043

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

    DATA SETS

        

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