Tensegrity Floating Ghost

This fun ghost is floating above his grave thanks to the physics behind tensegrity structures. All that is needed for this project is to print out the parts in the files (be sure to print two of the blocks) and a few lengths of a clear line like monofilament fishing line.

For printing, the base should not need any supports. I tried to orient the ghost to minimize the need for supports, but you'll like need them. I used Cura's tree supports without any problems with removal. The blocks also won't need supports.

Start by tying one end of a line to the top of the gravestone using the holes. Then, tie the other end of the line to the bottom of the ghost using the included holes. The line should only be long enough so that, when hanging straight down, the bottom of the ghost is halfway between the base and the top of the grave. The key is to keep the ghost's center of gravity above the top of the grave and between the grave and the ghost's body.

Next, tie lengths of line to the holes in the ghost's hands and thread the line through the small holes in the top of the base. The line then passes through the small holes in the blocks and a stopper knot is tied at the end to keep the line from slipping back through the block. You need the line to be just long enough that the line from the hands is taut when the line from the top of the grave is also tight and hanging straight down. The blocks are press fit into the channel on the bottom of the base. You can vary the position in the channel to adjust the tightness of the string. Looser strings seem to allow more bobbling by the ghost, but it also makes it slightly less stable.

Check out my video on this project: