Textbook in PDF format

This book illustrates the unique mechanical behaviors of tensegrity systems and their applications in mechanical metamaterials, space structures, and biomechanical models. It demonstrates that by controlling the mechanical response of tensegrity structures through internal and external prestress, it is possible to adjust the speed of mechanical waves within these systems, creating tunable bandgap structures. Furthermore, the geometrically nonlinear response exhibited by several tensegrity systems allows for the support of either compression or rarefaction solitary wave dynamics. These behaviors can be effectively utilized to design novel devices capable of focusing mechanical waves in narrow regions of space, as well as innovative impact protection systems