Tensegrity tetrahedron and tetrahelix Buckminster Fuller explored tensegrity [tensile integrity as a way of creating lighter structures. Materials that are working only in tension need usually use less mass than those working in compression. In the case of the tetrahelix, a saving of 10% in the length of strut used can be made by making a tensegrity structure. The additional cable used however, just about negates this saving. The module used is called a ‘v-expander’ and is a type of tensegrity strut called a ‘nucleated strut’. The tensegrity tetrahelix is comprised of two sets of nucleated struts that are interlinked but never touch. Tightening the tension member between the two nucleated struts’ closest points stiffens the whole structure.
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1-3. Tensegrity tetrahelix - built from softwood dowel and brass
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