If you think of this as a cube, then the core structure is like the
interlocked
The twelve-part core looks very different when viewed along a 4-fold
axis.
The exact same 12-part structure looks different again when viewed
along a
3-fold axis.
In the above image, you can see the inner and the middle layers, twenty
four parts total.
The tips of the inner layer parts penetrate through the centers of the
second layer parts.
Above are the first and second layers viewed along a 4-fold axis.
And above are the first and second layers viewed along a 3-fold axis.
The tabs are not bent yet, as this is just a test fitting. At the
actual assembly,
I'll twist each tab slightly, locking parts together so they hold
permanently together.
Adding the twelve outer parts, the sculpture is complete in three
layers.
Note how the tips of the middle layer parts penetrate through the
centers of the
outer parts. This view along a 3-fold axis shows how the three layers
are concentric.
I bent six brackets (and a spare) to connect the base to a pedestal.
A small spot weld locks the 120-degree angle. (Thank you, Lester
Orlick.)
This is the only place where bolts or welds are used; all other
connections are
tabs.
Before cutting any metal, I made a long series of computer models and
renderings to work out the many details of the design.
I also made a scale paper model using the same tab-based connector
system.
Here it is under construction, with the two inner layers complete and
parts of the outer layer being added.
The complete paper model is eight inches tall.
I made hundreds of 1.4-inch models of
Wormhole
that illustrate some of its geometric properties.
The models are made of nylon, by selective laser sintering, then dyed
in one of several colors.
Here is one close-up. I find them pretty cool.
And here's one all packaged in a clear plastic box, along with a small
sheet of information.
And to end, here is one final view of the real thing,
Wormhole.
I then disassembled it and shipped the parts to Altanta for
the
G4G9 assembly event.