Multistable design and tunable performance of locally-elastically-connected clustered tensegrity structure

Abstract Tensegrity structures based on sliding cable mechanisms demonstrate dynamically tunable load-bearing capacities and configuration adaptive behaviors, offering versatile frameworks for multifunctional engineering applications. This paper proposes a locally-elastically-connected clustered tensegrity structure (LEC-CTS) utilizing a commercial elastic rope with large deformation capacity. The LEC-CTS employs a coupled design consisting of horizontal and vertical cables (HC and VC). The elastic potential energy of the HC increases monotonically, while that of the VC increases initially and then decreases. This coupling is responsible for generating of multistability in the structure. This mechanism is validated by deriving closed-form expressions for the LEC-CTS energy and restoring force using an Ogden-type hyperelastic constitutive model in conjunction with D’Alembert’s principle. The study systematically investigates the effects of structural geometric parameters, elastic cable configurations, and parameters on the steady-state response. The results indicate that LEC-CTS’s stability performance can be modulated among monostable, sustained steady-state, and bistable states through control of the stiffness ratio n . The variable stiffness design of elastic cables in LEC-CTS significantly changes energy regulation efficiency. The energy release-to-absorption ratio decreases by 40% (from 52% to 12%), and the ratio of released energy to initially absorbed energy increases by 21% (from 77% to 98%). The sliding-cable mechanism enables up to 650% extension in operational range, providing a pronounced performance advantage over fixed-cable configurations. In comparison, the fixed cable configuration exhibits multitransitional behavior suitable for graded energy absorption and multi-threshold mechanical equipment.