5. Glossary

Self-stress

Self-tensioning characterizes the mechanical state of a system with initial constructional stresses, independently of any external actions.

Tensegrity state

Tensegrity is a state of stable self-equilibrium of a system comprising a set of compressed components within a continuum of tensioned components.

Finite mecanism

A finite mechanism corresponds to a geometric modification of the system without deformation of its components.

Infinitesimal mechanism

Infinitesimal mechanisms result in a modification of the overall geometry, associated with infinitesimal deformations of the components....