I wanted to further explore equi-tendoned tensegrity prisms, so on September 18, 2003, I built this model with seven-fold symmetry. It is built in the manner of my outdoor structures using one-inch-square (2.54 cm) 50-inch-long (127 cm) hardwood garden stakes and braided-nylon twine. Actually I rarely use the braided twine when working outdoors since it's a bit too elastic. I find the twisted-nylon twine to be preferable. Braided fishing line works great for small-scale models made of dowels. The yellow braided line I have is very decorative and easier to work with though, and I have a lot of it, so I thought I'd use it.
I decided to display it standing on its side. It has kind of an interesting effect when viewed outdoors. I may put it in the garden and grow something on it eventually. In conjunction with the Tensegrity Bean Teepee in the previous slide it has a sort of "alpha and omega" effect. Here is a more isometric view:
With hardwood stakes, I think this is the highest-fold symmetry I can manage as far as equi-tendoned prisms are concerned. For eight-fold symmetry and higher, the struts start to run into each other. I could make the struts longer, but I know the longer hardwood stakes will start warping more.
