| A right-handed tensegrity module can be transformed into a left-handed one but it must be completely reconstructed, exchanging all parts in relation to one another starting with the twist relationship of the compression struts. Except for the left-to-right exchange the basic forms are identical, but mirror images of one another. What are the consequences of this reversiblity? It is that in the mirrored replica, the directional sense of all prestressed pull-and-push forces are also reversed. The tension forces that pull counter-clockwise in a left-handed form pull clockwise in a right-handed form and vice versa. So, in simple column structures, for example, there are advantages to alternating helical directions from module to module because the inherent flexibility of tensegrity structures is in itself helical and the entire tower structure flexes slightly when compressed top-to-bottom. By alternating the modules one-to-the-next the tendency for the entire structure to twist is nulled. On the other hand, if cumulative twist is the goal, then all modules should be of one helical direction. | |||||||||||||
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