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Rigidity theory: Infinitesimal rigidity, rigidity matrix. |
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This lecture continues our tour through rigidity theory,
introducing two more big ideas: infinitesimal rigidity and
tensegrities. Infinitesimal rigidity is a nice way to capture the
generic case using linear algebra, and it nicely generalizes (and is
efficiently computable) in any dimension. Tensegrities (a term coined
by Buckminster Fuller) allow the addition of struts (which prevent
compression) and cables (which prevent expansion) in addition to bars
(which prevent both—which is what we've mostly been thinking about).
A nice special case of tensegrities are “spider webs”, which turn out
to relate to the algorithmic design of origami tessellations.
Although not obviously related, the rigidity tools we build up allow us to prove the existence of actual folding motions between any two configurations of “chain linkages” (whose graphs are paths or cycles) whose edges aren't allowed to cross. This Carpenter's Rule Theorem (which was essentially my PhD thesis) kicks off our coverage of understanding when linkages can “lock”. |
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Handwritten notes, page 1/8 •
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Handwritten notes, page 1/8 • [previous page] • [next page] • [PDF] |
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Slides, page 1/9 •
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Sadly Eric Joisel died this past weekend. Photos used with his permission. Slides, page 1/9 • [previous page] • [next page] • [PDF] |
The video above should play if your web browser supports either modern Flash or HTML5 video with H.264 or WebM codec. The handwritten notes and slides should advance automatically. If you have any trouble with playback, email Erik.
