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Register a new userOptimisation of fractal spaceframes under gentle compressive load
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Added by
Daniel Rayneau-Kirkhope
Publication date
2013
fields
Physics
and research's language is
English
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The principle of hierarchical design is a prominent theme in many natural systems where mechanical efficiency is of importance. Here we establish the properties of a particular hierarchical structure, showing that high mechanical efficiency is found in certain loading regimes. We show that in the limit of gentle loading, the optimal hierarchical order increases without bound. We show that the scaling of material required for stability against loading to be withstood can be altered in a systematic, beneficial manner through manipulation of the number of structural length scales optimised upon. We establish the relationship between the Hausdorff dimension of the optimal structure and loading for which the structure is optimised. Practicalities of fabrication are discussed and examples of hierarchical frames of the same geometry constructed from solid beams are shown.
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