Hi metric tensor, do the triangles follow a specific algorithm for how they're supposed to be arranged? Like at a certain angle or something like that?

For making the long vertical cylinders, I'd probably draw a larger circle in the middle, then a smaller circle off to the side and use Transform > Array > Circular to copy it, then extrude those up.

For the triangles if you can get points placed where the triangles are supposed to go, you could then draw lines between them, and when you have a big set of lines you can draw a circle down on the xy plane away from them, then select the circle and use Construct > Sweep and select all the lines as the rail curves and that will make tubes around all the lines.

It looks like a repeating pattern so you can probably make one layer of the triangle tubes and then replicate it using Transform > Array > Dir.

- Michael

Hi,
I have attached a sample drawing that might help.
Basically start with the central tube and one perimeter tube create the triangular shape you want (extend lines to allow for trimming of triangular tubes to the main vertical tubes) draw a circle for the size of the struts then sweep the triangles.
Hope this helps.
Barry

Thanks everyone, the education begins :)

Assuming the same triangular pattern of struts, the perimeter struts will have to be longer than the struts connecting to the larger center tube.
This will be embarrassing when the astronauts weld or bolt in the wrong lengths:-)
Unless the robotic welders can tell the difference.
I'd like to see the engineering specs.
- B

Fortunately in my computer game you get the ship pre-assembled. The FEA analysis will have to wait until I retire :)