From chain-link fence to space-spanning mathematical structures

T. Verhoeff, K. Verhoeff

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

    82 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Chain-link fence is constructed from intertwined zigzag wires. Such a fence is basically a two-dimensional structure, which can be extended infinitely in two directions. We describe various ways in which zigzags can be intertwined to produce potentially infinite three-dimensional structures. Next, we generalize the zigzags to helices, and explore their possibilities to span space. These zigzags and helices can be constructed from beams using miter joints. Appropriate choices for the cross section and the kind of miter joint results in artistically appealing sculptures. Several designs were constructed in wood. Along the way, we discovered a nice invariance theorem for helices.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of Bridges 2011: Mathematics, Music, Art, Architecture, Culture (14th Annual Conference, Coimbra, Portugal, July 2011)
    PublisherTessellations Publishing
    Pages1-8
    Publication statusPublished - 2011

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'From chain-link fence to space-spanning mathematical structures'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this