SmartShell uses hydraulics, not bulk, for structural strength
« Back to Article
SmartShell has an area of over 100 square meters (119.6 sq yds), yet is only 4 cm (1.6 in) thick (Photo: Bosch Rexroth)
SmartShell features three hydraulic supports, along with one that's static (Photo: Bosch Rexroth)
SmartShell features three hydraulic supports (Photo: Bosch Rexroth)
SmartShell is a wooden structure that uses hydraulic drives to compensate for structural loads (Photo: Bosch Rexroth)
Article Summary
When things like bridges or stadium roofs are built, they’re designed to withstand not just the stress that they will experience on a frequent basis, but also the maximum stress loads that they’ll only be subjected to once in a while – these could take the form of things like snowfalls or wind storms. This means that much of the heavy, costly materials that the structures are made of will only occasionally prove necessary. Researchers from the University of Stuttgart, however, have come up with an alternative. They’ve designed a lightweight structure that actively adapts to increased loads via built-in hydraulics.
« Back to SmartShell uses hydraulics, not bulk, for structural strength
Other Images from this Gallery
Related Articles