Robert Connelly
Encyclopedia
Robert Connelly is a mathematician specializing in discrete geometry
and rigidity theory. He is best known for discovering embedded flexible polyhedra. One such polyhedron is in the National Museum of American History
.
Connelly received his Ph.D. from University of Michigan
in 1970.
He is currently a professor at Cornell University
. His recent interests include tensegrities
and carpenter's ruler problem
.
Discrete geometry
Discrete geometry and combinatorial geometry are branches of geometry that study combinatorial properties and constructive methods of discrete geometric objects. Most questions in discrete geometry involve finite or discrete sets of basic geometric objects, such as points, lines, planes, circles,...
and rigidity theory. He is best known for discovering embedded flexible polyhedra. One such polyhedron is in the National Museum of American History
National Museum of American History
The National Museum of American History: Kenneth E. Behring Center collects, preserves and displays the heritage of the United States in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific and military history. Among the items on display are the original Star-Spangled Banner and Archie Bunker's...
.
Connelly received his Ph.D. from University of Michigan
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan...
in 1970.
He is currently a professor at Cornell University
Cornell University
Cornell University is an Ivy League university located in Ithaca, New York, United States. It is a private land-grant university, receiving annual funding from the State of New York for certain educational missions...
. His recent interests include tensegrities
Tensegrity
Tensegrity, tensional integrity or floating compression, is a structural principle based on the use of isolated components in compression inside a net of continuous tension, in such a way that the compressed members do not touch each other and the prestressed tensioned members delineate the...
and carpenter's ruler problem
Carpenter's ruler problem
The carpenter's rule problem is a discrete geometry problem, which can be stated in the following manner: Can a simple planar polygon be moved continuously to a position where all its vertices are in convex position, so that the edge lengths and simplicity are preserved along the way? A closely...
.
External links
- Personal home page
- Cornell Mathematics Department web page (with a picture)
- Why Things Don't Fall Down – A Lecture About Tensegrity by Robert Connelly
- Mathematical Treasures of the Smithsonian Institution – Allyn Jackson, AMS NoticesNotices of the American Mathematical SocietyNotices of the American Mathematical Society is a membership magazine of the American Mathematical Society, published monthly except for the combined June/July issue. It is the world's most widely read mathematics magazine, sent to the approximately 30,000 AMS members worldwide...
, vol. 46, no. 5 (May 1999), 528-534.