Floating Compression X Model

This X model came about after making a Kenneth Snelson Tensegrity 'X piece'. and wondering what the circumference cord was for when the X was joined in the middle. Turns out cord attached to the cross members' ends can fix the cross forming a diamond shape. The cross members do not touch in the middle and can hence be defined as a tensegrity piece in themselves. The assembly of one x model on top of another by the supporting cords can also tighten the circumference cord as the bows are pulled inwards.

Supplies

Four thin paint stirrers.

Plywood board.

1 mm cord.

Step 1: Making X Members

Four thin paint stirring sticks were placed in boiling water for 10 minutes. Then placed under some weight to create a bend in the middle, allowed to dry and then weights removed. A 2 mm hole was drilled in the end of each stick.

The base was made with some plywood which needed to be sanded before painted, as it had been in garden for a while.

Step 2: String Them Up

The bowed cross members and plywood base were painted red for no other reason than I had

some red paint on hand.

Cord was used to fix a couple of bows together. Note the threading at the ends, this helps to prevent twisting. 

Step 3: Suspending the X's Together

After assembling a couple of x models, attach one to the base and then support the other above.

Step 4: Supporting One Above the Other

The top cross piece was supported above the other by balancing across the circumference cord and adding a couple of supporting cords.

Step 5: Tensegrity Kite?

Having recently picked up a box kite, I wondered if the cross supports could be termed a tensegrity if they weren't touching each other? They normally do touch each other but by moving them slightly apart they can arguably create a Tensegrity.

Step 6: Lawrence Hargrave's Kite

Hargrave developed the box kite. In 1894 he strung 4 of his kites together and flew 16 feet into the air. His experimenting probably also contributed to the wing design of the first Airplane to fly in Europe. He had an innovated way to tension the fabric on his box kite. Looks like a tensegrity layout could also be used to tighten the fabric ....