Tensegrity Structure 2D — Compression Struts & Tension Cables

This 2D companion to the 3D tensegrity model isolates the single unit that makes every tensegrity structure work: two rigid struts that never touch each other, held apart purely by cables under tension. A live spring-based force-relaxation loop keeps the assembly at equilibrium each frame — cable forces are summed as one-sided (tension-only) springs, the struts are then re-projected back to their exact rigid length, and velocities are damped so the system settles rather than oscillating forever. Drag any of the four gold node handles to pull the structure out of shape and let go — the cables' tension pulls it back toward its original form on its own, with no external control needed. The cable-tension slider controls how much prestress is built into the cables: near 0% they sit close to their natural length and the structure goes slack and floppy, while near 100% the cables are pre-stretched well beyond their rest length, producing a noticeably taut, stiff assembly that resists and recovers from perturbation quickly.