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Abstract
Tensegrity masts are a network of compressive and tensile elements, composed of multiple interconnected tensegrity units. Unlike other structures, tensegrities are not limited by fixed structural properties. The ability to vary cable tension in a tensegrity enables modification of the structural dynamic properties. This work studies how the natural frequencies of a tensegrity mast change with changing cable tension. A three-stage tensegrity mast is modeled and tested. The first several natural frequencies of the structure are tracked across a range of configurations. The results show the effect of tensioning different sets of cables on the natural frequencies of the mast. Applications for a tensegrity-based structure with tunable natural frequencies are discussed.