¶ Tensegrity Icosahedron (2)
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Index Entry
Tensegrity Icosahedron:
"There are six tension members which join parallel struts to each other. If these tension members are removed from the icosahedron, only eight triangles remain from the original 20. These eight triangles are the eight transforming triangles of the ‘jitterbug.’ Consequently this ‘incomplete’ icosahedron demonstrates an expansion-contraction behavior similar to the ‘jitterbug’ although more restricted.
“If two opposite and parallel struts are pushed or pulled upon, all six members will move inwardly or outwardly causing the icosahedron to contract or expand in a symmetrical fashion. When this structure is fully expanded it is the regular icosahedron and it becomes, in its contracted state, an icosahedron bounded by eight equilateral triangles and 12 isosceles triangles (when the missing six tension members are replaced). All the 12 vertexes may recede from the common center in perfect symmetry of expansion, or, if a concentrated load is applied from without, the whole system contracts symmetrically, i.e., all the vertexes move toward their common center at the same rate.”
