Introduction to Knot Theory

 
Knot theory is a branch of topology that deals with knots and links.  A knot is simply a closed loop of string while a link is a collection of (possibly) intertwined knots.  Polygonal knots are a type of knot where the string is rigid, not flexible, and is composed of strait line segments joined at vertices.  Listed below are three visualizations of knots.  (These images have been taken from the excellent KnotPlot web site maintained by Rob Scharein.)

 

 

 

 

The work described on this site was jointly developed by Professor Jon Simon of the University of Iowa and Professor Kenny Hunt of the University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse.