Collision resistant study of spherical tensegrity structures for protective drone shells

Abstract

Due to its lightweight, impact resistance, and energy absorption, tensegrity is a good candidate for drone protection. Researching its collision resistance can significantly improve drone adaptability. This paper examines the structure–ground interaction and collision dynamics of 6-bar, 12-bar, and 30-bar tensegrity spheres through simulations and experiments. Results show consistency between simulations and experiments, confirming the collision dynamics model’s effectiveness. The 6-bar tensegrity structure demonstrates excellent collision resistance. Additionally, the influence of structural materials, pretension, and ground types on the 6-bar structure is analyzed, showing that increased cable pretension to certain values reduces peak acceleration during collisions. Drone collision tests with trees and high-altitude drops further confirm the tensegrity sphere’s good environmental adaptability and protective effect.