Connelly and Terrel (1995) [1] investigated the self-equilibrium configuration (nodal coordinates) of prismatic tensegrity structures with dihedral symmetry by an analytical method , and showed that some of them can be guaranteed to be stable regardless of selection of materials and level of prestress, so-called super stable.

Our work [2, 3] based on symmetry-adapted formulations [4] showes that some of the structures that are not super stable can still be (prestress) stable, depending on the topology (connectivity of members), height/radius ratio and axial stiffness/prestress ratio.

The JAVA-based program (JAVA 3D runtime is necessary) enables people to interactively design prismatic tensegrity structures. Stability information of some simple structures is also given.

For example, here is an example structure (n=5, h=1 and v=1, more information on the notations for connectivity can be found here) determined by the program. This structure is not super stable, but can still be stable if its height/radius ratio falls in the range of [0.4,3.1].

Try here to find out why the JAVA program does not run well on your computer, and please do not hesitate to ask Mr. Zhang if you did not work it out.

The project was carried out by Mr. Jingyao Zhang of Kyoto University, closely collaborating with Dr. Simon Guest of Cambridge University. During the project, we have got many helpful advices and suggestions from Prof. Bob Connelly of Connel University and Prof. Makoto Ohsaki of Kyoto University. Their kind helps are greatly appreaciated. Mr. Zhang is also grateful to the support from The Kyoto University Foundation and the EPSRC.