Tensairity refers to a class of lightweight structure which has a wide range of interesting applications such as temporary bridges, inflatable kites, of unmanned aerial vehicle wings and mainsail in sailing boats. A Tensairity structure has three main components, namely tension element, compression element and air beam. The primary purpose of the air beam is to stabilise the compression element under loading. The combination of these elements results in a structure which has lightweight compared to conventional structures for the same strength and vice versa. In this study, we explore a new concept of meta tensairity beam. Air is modelled as spring, and an additional torsional spring has been used between the two beams and this structure has been repeated periodically. Both tension and compression elements have been modelled as Euler Bernoulli beam. The unwanted vibration which occurs in the tensairity structure can be attenuated by varying the stiffness of torsional spring. Band structure of meta tensairity beam has been obtained by using Bloch theorem and transfer matrix method. The phenomenon of frequency band attenuation has been incorporated in the Tensairity structure, and it gives rise to a new set of design potentials for lightweight structures. Real-time health monitoring of tensairity structures can also be done by harvesting energy from meta tensairity, which makes it a self-sustaining system.
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