MUSCLE: a new open-source Grasshopper plug-in for the interactive design of tensegrity structures

Feron, Jonas [UCL] Payen, Basile [UCL] Saraiva Esteves Pacheco De Almeida, João [UCL] Latteur, Pierre [UCL]

This paper introduces 'MUSCLE', a new open-source plug-in for Rhino-Grasshopper, devoted to the design, analysis, and optimisation of tensegrity and tension-based structures. MUSCLE offers various types of structural analysis, including 1) Non-linear static analysis under external loading or prestressing, 2) Form-finding and deployment through dynamic relaxation, and 3) Computation of mechanisms, self-stress modes, and natural vibration modes. The structural results provided by MUSCLE, such as internal forces, displacements, and natural frequencies, align closely with benchmark experimental measurements obtained from large-scale tensegrity prototypes built by the authors. Additionally, MUSCLE features a user-friendly interface that allows users to visualise calculation outcomes instantly and adjust structural parameters, thereby fostering creativity in the design process. Engineered for fast and complex non-linear computations, MUSCLE serves as an efficient optimisation tool when coupled with Galapagos, enabling users to maximise structural stiffness or minimise material consumption.