2 ms·

I wonder if bike wheels are considered tensegrity structures. Also, could homes leverage this for seismic proofing ?

• ndsipa_pomu 4y ago
  See https://tensegritywiki.com/index.php?title=Bicycle_Wheel https://tensegritywiki.com/index.php?title=Bicycle_Wheel The answer appears to be both yes and no. > Also, could homes leverage this for seismic proofing ? Likely not practical to use pure tensegrity design (i.e. each element is purely in tension or compression) and the open nature of tensegrity structures would leave little privacy. However, reinforced concrete combines the compressive strength of concrete with the tensile strength of iron to make a strong building material (e.g. for resisting earthquakes) though a tensegrity design wouldn't have any need for reinforced concrete as the compressive struts would never be in tension or under bending stress.
  • mjhay 4y ago
    The section about criticism of a bike wheel as a tensegrity structure is vague. As the other sections say, all spokes are always under tension, and the rim is always under compression. There's only one compressive member (the rim), so I guess you can't really say the compressive components are disconnected. The only way I could see it failing the definition is with the hub. The hub has different parts under compression and tension, in that the flanges where the spokes attach are under tension, but the axle exerts compression on the bearings underneath it, even though almost all of the hub body should be under net deviatoric tension.
    • mitthrowaway2 4y ago
      The fork, which connects to the axle, is under compression, though. Since that connects to the wheel rim purely through tensile members, I think it's fair game to call it a tensegrity structure.