This paper investigates the dynamic response and structural resilience of a tensegrity-based aerial vehicle subjected to high-energy impacts. The objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of tensegrity architectures in improving impact tolerance, energy dissipation, and post-impact structural recovery when applied as an aerial vehicle. These characteristics are of particular interest for aerospace systems operating in high-risk environments where collision survivability is a critical design requirement.
The proposed structure is based on an expanded icosahedron tensegrity, consisting of basswood compression members and nylon tension elements. This architecture provides a lightweight, self-stressed structural system capable of distributing loads throughout its network. The flight controller and onboard electronics were integrated at the center of the structure to minimize localized stress exposure and ensure balanced mass distribution. Experimental validation was conducted through controlled vertical drop tests at impact velocities of up to 70 km/h. The structural dynamic response was assessed via impact survivability, deformation, energy dissipation, and post-impact recovery.
Experimental results demonstrate that the tensegrity structure withstands repeated high-energy impacts without structural failure or loss of onboard functionality. Upon impact, temporary elastic deformation distributes kinetic energy throughout the tension network, reducing its stress concentrations. The structure rapidly recovers its original geometry, with no permanent deformation or degradation after multiple impact cycles. These results highlight the potential of tensegrity structures for impact resilience, energy absorption, and structural survivability, offering a lightweight and damage-tolerant alternative for aerospace applications. This work also represents one of the first experimental implementations of a tensegrity-based aerial vehicle in Latin America.