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11/26/2025 | Colloquium | Institute for Structural Analysis and Dynamics (IBSD)

Research colloquium: Distributed redundancy in elastostatics for the design of adaptive structures

@Structural analysis
Image: Jan Gade

As part of the research colloquium for final theses, doctoral and habiliation candidates, we cordially invite you on Tuesday, 02.12.2025 at 16:30 in room 3516 (Mönchebergstr. 7). We are pleased to announce the lecture by Dr.-Ing. Jan Gade with the title "Distributed Redundancy in Elastostatics for the Design of Adaptive Structures". We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Abstract

This lecture deals with the concept of distributed redundancy in linear elastic structures. This concept addresses the excess residual stress states in a statically indeterminate structure, which are activated by internal constraint to ensure geometric compatibility. The redundancy distribution in a truss or frame system can be used for failure safety studies. A continuum mechanical theory of distributed redundancy for statically determinate structural theories is discussed. In this theory, the redundancy relationship appears in the form of an integral expression with a special influence function as the integral kernel. The so-called redundancy density function can be derived from this influence function. Furthermore, the concept of distributed redundancy is introduced in the context of finite element models. The redundancy matrix appears naturally in a hybrid-mixed displacement-stress formulation based on the Hellinger-Reissner variational principle.

Furthermore, the concept reflects the elastic response of the structure to prescribed inelastic distortions such as temperature changes or actuation. This allows the application of the concept in the calculation and design of adaptive structures. A deeper understanding of the redundancy distribution and the space of residual stress states based on the redundancy matrix can be used to redistribute forces and adapt displacements in adaptive trusses. The presentation will discuss methods for the design of adaptive trusses. In particular, a new formulation for displacement control with minimal actuation work is presented. Its application in an exemplary adaptive truss bridge system shows a significant potential for the reduction of actuation work.