Springthing
A 3D structure consisting of objects connected using springs - effectively a complex coupled dynamic system. Such a system should produce complex chaotic movement patterns when excited or driven, which should be fun to watch and/or interact with. The system can be either excited directly by a user or driven by a motor. The objects can be different colours/sizes/shapes.
No electronics or computer required, this is physics/mechanics. Cefn proposed creating a computer model first to better understand the dynamics and explore the configuration space.
Comments
Cefn on 16 October 2005
Found the perfect material for your springthing, from years ago when this stuff was used to launch gliders. Very strong and nicely rubbery. Can imagine making Akopa’s artists impression from this.
Known as latex surgical tubing. Here is 100ft on ebay for $19
http://cgi.ebay.com/100-Surgical-Latex-Tubing-Tube-Hose-Medical-Lab_W0QQitemZ5625504098QQcategoryZ1467QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem