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21EM_X06

19RM02_GIF2.gif
19RM02_GIF2.gif

PHYSICAL MODEL

DIGITAL MODEL

PROCESS

EQUILIBRIUM MODEL / EXPERIMENT SIX

The idea of a seesaw is nothing new, but in this project our group decided to explore the reaction of a stable plank to three different factors: the length of a peg protruding from the bottom of the platform, a changing fulcrum point, and altering the angle and position of the weight of the cube on the other end of the plank. Another constraint we added to our series was the idea of using the platform to its fullest potential, meaning that we would use fragments of it to create both the cube/weight and the plank. By creating the grid of ¼” holes, we created a system that allows for infinite iterations of plank angles both horizontally and vertically, cube placement along the plank, and points where dowels could be placed to create tension along with the string to hold up the cube. To explain the system, we may look at model 1. We rested the plank along the lower right corner of the rectangular cutout with the fulcrum being about 9 inches from the left end of the plank.

This gives the cube a very small area to create the counter force from the peg that is pushing down on the left side of the plank. The cube is being pulled down on the right side of the plank using a fishing line that fits into a grove on the top, and provides the tension that allows this system to balance. We made the corner stands out of acrylic in order to provide the illusion that the platform and system are floating.

Valerie Elizondo
Madeline Ju
Amber Wang

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