Rotation of Polygonal Space Structures

Wang, C. Y. and Watson, Layne T. (1990) Rotation of Polygonal Space Structures. Technical Report TR-90-20, Computer Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Abstract

The free rotation in space of flexible polygonal structures about their axes is studied. The large deformation equations are formulated, resulting in a set of sixth order nonlinear differential equations. The governing parameter B represents the relative importance of centrifugal forces to flexural rigidity. Perturbation solutions are obtained for small B. The equations are also integrated numerically by quasi-Newton and homotopy methods. Forces, moments, and maximum deformations are determined for polygons of three to six sides and B up to 100. At very large B, the polygons deform into a circle.