Naoko Kishimoto and M. C. Natori
The Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, 3-1-1 Yoshinodai, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 229-0022, Japan
E-mail: kisimoto@taurus.eng.isas.ac.jp
(Received January 7, 2000; Accepted March 8, 2000)
Keywords: Space Structures, Self-Similarity, Fractal
Abstract. The purpose of this study is to clarify the mechanical characteristics of structures with fractal properties. This clarification is necessary, in order to apply fractal notion to artificial structures. Very few studies have been made from the viewpoint of such attempts. First, fractal systems are formulated for engineering applications, and an example of 3 dimensional structures with fractal properties is presented. Then the model and method of the analysis are introduced. Results of the analysis indicate that both how to change forms against applied forces and how to divide their forces reflect geometrical shapes. Especially in the case of the structures with fractal properties, the levels of internal forces are not much different from the regular structures. And it can be said that the structures with fractal properties can absorb stress unbalance caused by the change of local stiffness.