Deployable structures can vary their shape automatically from a compact, packaged configuration to an expanded, operational configuration. The first properly engineered deployable structures were used as stabilization booms on early spacecraft. Later on, more complex structures were devised for solar arrays, communication reflectors and telescopes. In other fields there have been a variety of developments, including retractable roofs for stadia, foldable components for cars, portable structures for temporary shelters and exhibition displays. Three main themes are discussed in this book: concepts, working principles, and mechanics of deployable structures, both in engineering and biology; in addition: theory of foldable bar structures and application to deployable tensegrieties; formulation of large-rotation analysis of deployable structures and finite-element simulation methods.

Deployable structures can expand and contract due to their geometrical, material and mechanical properties – offering the potential to create truly transforming environments. This book looks at the cutting edge of the subject, examining the different types of deployable structures and numerous design approaches. Filled with photographs, models, drawings and diagrams, Deployable Structures is packed with inspirational ideas for architecture students and practitioners.

Deployable structures are prefabricated and can be transformed from a closed, compact configuration to a predetermined, expanded form in which they are stable and can carry loads. This theoretical and practical discussion of deployable structures formulates and solves the complex engineering design problems with which they are associated.

Motion structures are simply assemblies of resistant bodies connected by movable joints. Unlike conventional structures, they allow large shape transformations to satisfy practical requirements and they can be used in:shelters, emergency structures and exhibition standsaircraft morphing wingssatellite solar panels and space antennasmorphing core ma

This collection presents 49 contributions by engineers, architects, biologists, and applied mathematicians interested in deployable structures. Aerospace structures are currently at the leading edge, and this is reflected by a larger number of contributions covering the full spectrum of concepts, simulations, testing, and working systems.

The publication "Fold, Unfold : Deployable Structures and Digital Fabrication" is the documentation of the workshop of the same name hosted at TU-Berlin from february till march 2017 in collaboration with ETSAE Cartagena. The main objective of this seminar was to design and build different prototypes of deployable structures that can colonize a space to be inhabited temporarily. Die Publikation „Fold, Unfold : Deployable Structures und Digital Fabrication" dokumentiert den gleichnamigen Workshop, der von Februar bis März 2017 an der TU Berlin in Zusammenarbeit mit der ETSAE Cartagena stattgefunden hat. Besonderes Ziell des Seminars war es, entfaltbare Strukturen zu entwerfen und zu bauen, die Räume einnehmen können und diese vielfältig und temporär nutzbar machen.

These Proceedings are based on the Fifth International Conference on Space Structures, organised by the University of Surrey. Produced as a 2-volume set, they contain original and innovative information on space structures from leading engineers and architects from around the world.