Algodoo

nice

Interesting scene, s_noonan.

I might try to build a Tensegrity Table out of metal because I own some metal-working tools (including a lathe and a mill), and I might also try to replace one or more of the wires with strong magnets. I think it would look more impressive if the upper and lower sections could be separated and held in place with magnets instead of with wires.

That would be impressive. You would need to make things very accurately or provide precise adjustment for the magnets or wires.

I looked at a number of tensegrity tables and most are somewhat compliant in regards to a side load or a torsional load. I was thinking that some diagonal cross wires would stiffen them up (similar to cross braces on a bookshelf).

Quote: "...most are somewhat compliant in regards to a side load or a torsional load."

I think that will be the biggest challenge when using magnets, but I have nothing better to do (I'm retired) and so it should be a fun project (or experiment!).

Update: Can't be done with permanent magnets. I built a proof-of-concept model out of foam-core, and hot-glued some strong magnets in the positions where the wires normally would be anchored. The system is inherently unstable. It's the same problem as when trying to make permanent magnets levitate on top of each other without spinning them.

It may be possible to do this with electromagnets, but the magnets, the wiring, and the power supply would make the project so large, that it would be impractical. Everyone looking at it would know right away that there's more to it than just "magic" happening.

From now on, I'm going to spend my retirement doing things that (I know) are physically possible.

if you are retired how do you have a ten-year-old son?

Xray,

Thanks for sharing your results. I like finding out how things work out without having to put in the effort to do the experiment. Your results reminded me that many years ago I tried to make a linear slide with permanent magnets but instability prevented it from working.

I also had some ideas that are a variation on this theme. One idea is to cut a bicycle rim in half to create (2) semicircular arches and then use two crossed arches to support the center wire(s) in tension. The other idea is to replace each arch with (2) sticks that form a triangle when connected to the base. The center wire can be attached to the apex of each triangle. If done correctly, the sticks can be in direct compression.

That's sounds like an interesting idea, but a Tensegrity bicycle might look rather strange to a bystander watching it go by!

I wasn't talking about a tensegrity bicycle, I was talking about a tensegrity table with two opposing interlocking arches acting as the center wire support. One half of the table in side view would look like a D lying on its side.

A bicycle wheel is already a good example of tensegrity since the wheel spokes, that support the weight of almost the whole bike, are in tension.

Quote: "I wasn't talking about a tensegrity bicycle, I was talking about a tensegrity table...."


I know! I was trying to be funny.

OK. Thanks. I guess my density slider was set too high.