Group theoretic study of bifurcation points of truss dome structures

This paper offers a group theoretic study of symmetry breaking bifurcation points of truss dome structures. A dominant role of symmetry in bifurcation phenomena has been demonstrated through case studies performed on bifurcation points of a series of reticulated regular, polygonal-shaped, truss domes subjected to axisymmetric loadings. Various characteristics of bifurcation points are described in relation with the level of symmetry of main and bifurcation paths. Several rules governing bifurcation points have been derived through these studies with an aim toward the development of a more complete theory in the future.