Kite

Read here about kites and their significance in tensegrity modelling and structures.

Overview

A kite is the most efficient mode of transportation, in terms of energy conversion efficiency from a human to mobility. Part of this efficiency results from its structure, resulting from an efficient deployment of tensile forces requiring, as a result, minimal mass.

But a tensile structure is not a tensegrity. Though some kites have appeared with “statically determinant” cables deploying tension in one plane, and for one triangle of the frame, there is no kite yet available that deploys omnidirectional tension.

That said, the kite is a household object amenable to a tensegrity approach.

Snelson's Kite Frame Sculptures

See Snelson.

Links

Slingshot bicycles website: http://www.slingshotbikes.com/Energy Return Bicycle website: http://www.erbbike.com/Classic bike photo: http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/gallery3.html

Yanko Design website: http://www.yankodesign.com/2009/02/24/this-bike-is-missing-some-tubes/