Spindron Saddle

A Spindron is a “… planar figure consisting of two alternating sequences of isosceles triangles which, once it is folded along the edges, exhibits extraordinary spatial properties.[It] can be used to construct various space-filling polyhedra and reliefs, while its deformations render it suitable for the construction of finely adjustable dynamic structures.”

That is according to Dániel Erdély, Péter K?szegi and Rinus Roelofs. Today’s Math-art is courtesy of them, and features a Saddle Surface made of Spindrons.

A what made of what? For non math-professors like you and I, a saddle surface is a smooth surface that looks like a… well, horse saddle. That’s about all to it. The trio above mede the surface special, by using spindrons to make a saddle surface. The result isn’t as smooth, but it goes on to show that it is mathematically possible to fit the icoceles triangles on a surface without overlaps.

Why did I post this image? Well, while purusing my gallery of math-art,  this immediately caught my attention. It’s a rendered image, but yet the image pays attention to things like soft shadows and the like. Though I must admit I can’t see how this looks like a saddle surface, but I take the mathematicians’ word for it.

The attention to detail when rendering this image should warrant enough attention for a good look at this mathematical rendering as an artwork.