Prime knot: 5_2

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The prime knot 5_2, a twist knot, can be visualized through the use of a tube with constant radius and pulled tight. The thin version reduces the tube size to aid in crossing view. Conversely, the thick version displays a full-scale tube. Both are easier to print with minimal support material. For further information on this specific prime knot, refer to its page on Knot Atlas (http://katlas.math.toronto.edu/wiki/5_2). If you're interested in tight knots, check out Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ropelength). For ropelength data, visit Jason Cantarella's website (http://www.jasoncantarella.com/wordpress/papers/). To see a movie of this prime knot tightening, check out his movies page (http://www.jasoncantarella.com/movs). The model is created by RidgeRunner, a free software available at http://www.jasoncantarella.com/wordpress/software/ridgerunner/. This program uses numerical algorithms to minimize the knot length while maintaining a tube around it. Different functions can result in varied knot shapes.