Tensionet

Tensionet is a term used in some Scandinavian engineering and architectural literature to denote a network of tensile elements within a structure. It refers to the system of forces carried by cables, cords, fibers, or tendons that resist pulling loads and transfer them to supports. In this sense, tensionet emphasizes the interconnected arrangement that sustains shape and stability through tension rather than compression.

In practice, a tensionet comprises members that remain in tension under loading, while any compressive components, if present, play a secondary, supporting role. The geometry and connectivity of the network determine how loads are distributed, how stiff the structure is, and how it responds to disturbances. Analyzing a tensionet typically involves equilibrium calculations, force-distribution methods, or finite element models to determine member forces, joint displacements, and overall behavior.

Applications of the concept appear in suspension systems, cable-net facades, tent and canopy structures, and certain architectural forms that rely on tensile networks for lightweight, efficient load paths. It is also used in biomechanical contexts to describe networks of tendons and other connective tissues that carry tensile loads in limbs and other organs. In tensegrity designs, tensionet interacts with discrete compression elements to create stable, lightweight configurations.

Etymology: tensionet derives from tension with the definite article suffix -et in some Scandinavian languages, signaling a defined network of tensions within a system. Note that terminology varies by field, and the broader concept is frequently referred to as tensile networks, cable nets, or tensegrity depending on context.