5 struts

Read here about tensegrity structures composed of five struts, part of a series of pages organized by strut count.

Overview

Five strut tensegrities are rare.

5 strut Freeform Tensegrity Structure by Motro

Motro worked with freeform tensegrity structures. In this approach, no topology of the whole system is specified in advance for that example. The process is started from a simple system and, next, more and more struts and cables are added step by step. Below, a progressive series of tensegrity structures that is developed freeform from 4 struts, to 5 struts, to 6 struts. The first figure on the right is a 4 strut tensegrity structure. To this Motro added a vertical strut 9-10. To keep nodes 9 and 10 in equilibrium state, making a 5 strut structure. To stabilize it, 6 tension members are added, 3 to each node of the added strut. The 5 strut in the center is then developed into the 6 strut on the right, followed by the 7 and 8 strut structures in the following diagram. The 8 strut in the center has 36 tension members. On the right, 3 tension members have been removed.

Freeform tensegrity structures, progressing from 4 struts to 5 struts and 6 struts. From Structural Morphology Of Tensegrity Systems by Motro.

Freeform tensegrity structures, progressing from 7 to 8 struts. The 7 strut is on the left. The 8 strut in the center has 36 tension members. On the right, 3 tension members have been removed. From Structural Morphology Of Tensegrity Systems by Motro.

This paragraph is repeated on the 4 struts page.