How to Make Amazing Tensegrity Structure - Anti-Gravity Structure

We made a sculpture out of wood batten based on the principle of tensional integrity (tensegrity for short), where all the strings are under continuous tension. The result is the impression that the sculpture levitates.

Tensegrity is a design principle that applies when a discontinuous set of compression elements is opposed and balanced by a continuous tensile force, thereby creating an internal prestress that stabilizes the entire structure. Puzzling physics structures that seem to defy the very laws of gravity.

[compa]

Even when I find out how this works, my brain is still saying

[jayadevps]

Load carrying capacity of the structure is equal to the tensile capacity of the string. Since only one string is provided at the centre I think at maximum load the end string reaches only it's half capacity. But aesthetically it is good

[Ghost-xyff]

I’m choosing to do this for my school art final project. All I have to do now is glueing and that string!

[pekoranera]

Hey Bro, great work. I think if you use a transparent wire like tho ones for fishing the final effect can be even more impressive. :))

[ooi]

Imagine, architect make a building with this concept

[williamrobinson]

Of course there is no limit to the length of the strings, so you can hide the lower assembly; if you combine this with using transparent wire, the effect could be quite mysterious.. Great build. I like the simplicity of this! 🌟👍

[CaptainBobRockets]

I built one based on this video. It works beautifully. After setting about the right length for the center string and glueing it in place, it's simply a matter of getting the right tension on the two long strings. First, I glued the bottom of the long strings in place. After they dried, I put the other end of the strings through the holes at the top and used masking tape to hold them in place. Then, it's just a matter of achieving the right tension on both long strings to center the structure and then glueing them in place.

[ExperimentoLOGY.]

The centre string provides tension and the other strings provide balance.

[gabrielirlanda]

Architects in Dubai: "mhhh...interesting.."

[dreamcakeofficial]

After watching this the first thing that came in my mind is, maybe I can fulfil my dream of living in a floating house someday.

[adamemac]

Welcome back! Long time no see!!

That's pretty cool! Thanks for the instructions!!

[theenchiladakid]

The track is "Hang Ups (Want You) - Otis McDonald"

[davidguymon]

Man, next time I build something in carpentry I’m building this very table. The design is so simple, yet so fascinating.

[ohcomeon]

I like how he gently places something on it lol

[TakumisBizarreRacingAdventure]

If I'm correct the way it works is simple. The smaller thread(out of total 3 threads) in the middle of the structure is the one bearing all the weight, so it does not defy gravity because the [bottom wooden support frame]'s/(or the frame which touches the ground)'s connect point to the "small thread" is higher than the connect point of the "upper wooden frame" which seems to be floating in air but is actually hanging from bottom frame through the "small thread". The other 2 long threads are there to keep the balance so that the upper frame doesn't fall to a side.

[NOIR.Workshop]

Nice work! This looks very cool! I also made one, but there is no rope in the middle, "anti-gravity" succeeded!

[vcVijay]

The top structure is hanging by the middle string. Because its centre of gravity is towards the top, it tends to rotate clockwise/downwards...this causes tension in the 2 strings which are preventing it from toppling. Balance is very important in this design....

[alxmtncstudio]

Use chains adapted to the proportions of the sculpture (for the realistic miniature effect), it'll greatly enhance the law-defying effect!

With transparent nylon wires, it blends in slightly yet remains quite visible (unless camera tricks), hence it's obvious the wires are trying to hide something. The counter-intuitive effect is lessened as it's hinted off that there is a trick. Nylon fiber wires are commonly used to hold light weight things with a purpose to look like it's not there. Hence the spectator knows it's doing something despite not necessarily figuring out what. It's enough to kill the major part of the wow effect of a law-defying trick.

With more "serious" wires, like chains, the mind faces a more appearant counter-intuive behaviour of the two platforms and their ties —the chains then look like they're actually trying to hold the upper platform from taking off while actually intuitively looking like it should drop down. That's when you the counter-intuivivity strikes in and the effect is glorifyied as the chains don't look like they're doing what they're doing

This kind of presentation is what turns a nice trick into a magic trick. It's not easy to explain but it's very effective :)

[jackywhite]

I've built a couple of tensegrity structures like this, . The most important thing is to have some way of tensioning the wires/chains/whatever after construction. In a diy environment the chances of getting the tensions right first time aren't great - not if you want the top to be level, at least.
That said, once you've managed it, you WILL impress your friends and families, no question. Their first question is invariably "Is it a trick?"

[im_a_tortoise]

Tensegrity tables: They're objectively awesome!