concept
The initial concept was based on transformation and inversion under heat, much like popping popcorn or expanding coiled music wire against melting heat shrink wrap as shown below.  We choose to articulate this concept through transformable tensegrity structures.
digital modeling
Grasshopper scripts were created to find specific dimensions for final form of the tensegrity structure, where the string is completely in tension and the metal components in compression.  Digital modeling is also useful to explore ideas that could not be executed during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Digital modeling and grasshopper was used to explore heat-shrinking wrap around specific parts of the tensegrity structure to emphasize certain geometries.
static tensegrity
A simple 3-prism tensegrity structure was constructed with string and music wire.  A 3-prism tensegrity was then constructed with adjustable loops to allow tension and length in string to be modified, resulting in a new structure which appears elusive of tensegrity.  Adjustable tensegrity removes the need for precise measurements and careful construction.

The left adjustable structure is a basic 3-prism.  The right adjustable tensegrity is the same iteration, with tension increased in several strings.  Both stand without assistance, but in drastically different forms.
heat-deployable tensegrity
using nitinol
Nitinol is a metal with shape memory properties; It can be set in an initial state with high heat, deformed to a secondary position, and return to its original state when heat is reapplied.  The use of nitinol as the compressive components in tensegrity allows for an automated process of transformation when applied to heat.  The specific integration of nitinol into tensegrity allows for variable control over the transformation form.
Below, a 3-prism with nitinol (left) folds up whereas a cubic tensegrity with nitinol (right) pops up when heat is applied.
Though also a 3-prism tensegrity, the structure to the left also has nitinol replacing the top and bottom triangular tension components.  Compared to the 3-prism above under heat, this structure would much rather pop-up than fold-up.
The tetrahedral tensegrity struggles against itself to rise to its final form under heat.
aggregation
Aggregation produces larger structures and different transformations.  Aggregated tetrahedron (left) slowly uncurl.  Above, nested cubes rapidly pop up, even though nitinol is only located in the inner cube.
4.022 Intro to Design Techniques and Technologies
Professor Jeremy Jih
Spring 2020
Collaborators: Stephanie Li, Janice Tjan
Back to Top