WOLFRAM|DEMONSTRATIONS PROJECT

Expanding Tetrahedral Network

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tilt tetrahedra
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Tetrahedra are attached at their vertices in groups of six. The groups are arranged in stacked rings, forming a spatial network of tetrahedra. If the tetrahedra are tilted while maintaining contact, the structure expands and shrinks. This movement can be a model for phase change in crystal structures composed of tetrahedral molecules.