Transition from Rod-Shaped to Surface-Like Components

Associated Project 5 (AP 5)

IntCDC Associated Project 5 – Transition from Rod- to Surface-Like Components
FORCE TRANSFER AND ACTUATION IN THE TRANSITION ZONE BETWEEN ROD-SHAPED AND SURFACE-LIKE BUILDING COMPONENTS

The aim of this project is to develop transition zones between rod-shaped and planar structural elements, where the mechanical properties and geometry of the component can be controlled and adapted to different external and environmental conditions. Inspiration will come from plant organs, which permanently connect rod-shaped and flat elements by gradual transitions in their geometry and internal structure. They adapt their stiffness to changing environmental conditions and achieve motions by utilising elastic deformation, without the need for mechanical connections. Adaptive construction components with gradual transitions between components can form the basis for building structures and façades that can constantly respond to changing physical conditions – improving the sustainability of architecture.

The main objective of this project is to develop large-scale surface-like fibre reinforced composite components using pneumatic actuators integrated into the material to enable motion and stiffness adjustment. 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, as point loads on columns and bearings are often critical in 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

RESEARCHERS

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

    

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