Finding funicular forms using dynamic weights

During form-finding of funicular networks, dynamic weights that update per time-step relative to a local measure are interesting... not least because such systems often converge when intuition says they should explode.

For the case of a tensile spring network in 3 dimensions, the equilibrium result is funicular so long as the network is at most valency-3 (incident edges per node) and therefore statically determinate. This determinancy means that tensile springs (e.g. zero natural length) can be replaced with rigid bars to form a funicular thrust network (Block, 2007) with identical forces.

This component provides a method for exploring these _trivalent_ networks within Grasshopper, in a similar way to using Kangaroo (note: you will get a warning if the system is not statically determinate).

You can explore networks with constant nodal forces (0D), dynamic based on line length (1D) or dynamic based on local area triangles (2D). The examples available in the link below give examples of each.

The component is open source, available on github and released under the MIT licence. It will appear under Extra>Rosebud following installation of the gha file in the libraries folder.

Download latest release (gha and example files) here:

A preprint describing the method in more detail is attached below. This paper was presented at the 2013 International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures 2013 Symposium:

Please send any queries to johnharding@fastmail.fm or post comments below.

Block, P. & Ochsendorf, J. (2007). Thrust Network Analysis: A new methodology for three-dimensional equilibrium.
International Journal of Shell and Spatial Structures, 155.

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  • Andy Murray

    Funicular forms are a special type of graph that can be used to model some kinds of systems. They are also known as curve-of-growth graphs, because they represent the growth of a system over time. Try Basement Waterproofing marietta for more useful services about waterproofing. These graphs are often used in biology, engineering and computer science to model the behavior of biological systems and machines.

  • Andy Murray

    Finding funicular forms is a bit like a game of connect-4. You have to find the funicular form for the given set of points by finding the intersection of two functions and then connecting that intersection point to the rest of your points. Go to Cyber Security Companies Winnipeg for best ideas. Finding the maximum and minimum point of a curve is best done using dynamic weights, which are similar to static weights except that they change depending on how much force you apply to them.

  • Andy Murray

    The funicular form is a special case of the p-form, where the greatest weight of an element is at its center. The funicular form can be used to calculate the static equilibrium position of a system of masses subject to external forces. Try this technology consulting firms parkersburg for best reviews. The method used here is very similar to the method used in solving dynamic problems. First, we calculate the static equilibrium position (i.e., final position) using Newton’s second law and then find how much work has been done by changing that position using energy principles.