Group 4 Blog Post 3

This week we analyzed and compared different options for constructing a prototype of the Shukhov Radio Tower.
We visited the materials engineering department and consulted with the materials professor to brainstorm kinds of material that would best model our bridge. So far, we agreed on a type of wire known as florist stem wire that is used in flower arrangement. We are most likely going to use this wire because it is sturdy, strong, and most importantly flexible, which would be useful in creating the round regions of the Shukhov radio tower. The wire has the necessary minimum resilience to support such a complex structure and also has the capability of being bent in all angles in order to emulate the complex design of the radio tower.
Also, we examined a picture of the tensegrity structure in Kolkata and noticed the importance and value in the tension in all of its members. This made us think of how we could use the tension in the wires to lace in and out of the base of the tower and essentially pull the tower into being sturdier.
 Additionally, Lucas worked on 3D modeling to construct a blueprint of the tower. We are all going to download the visual analysis software in order to figure out the glitches and learn how to create the bridge, using the tutorial.