This is the first half of a two-part instructable. This first half deals primarily with the math (algebra, trigonometry, geometry) involved in creating a pendulum wave and the release, deriving the pendulum wave design and dimensions. Part 2 will detail the process of constucting the pendulum wave. Although the math in this section is fairly easy, it can be very tedious at times. If you have a hard time following the math or even choose to skip the math altogether, you can still build the pendulum wave shown. I have all the necessary models and dimensioned drawings posted in steps 8 and 9, so no worries. :)

Below are a few pictures of the pendulum wave and release mechanism.

Pendulum wave at rest:

Release mechanism beginning to collect pendulums:

Just before releasing the wave:

About 30-35 seconds after release:

About Pendulum Waves

Pendulum waves are simply a series of pendulums that are pulled back, then released at some angle(s). If the lengths and angles are just right, then each pendulum will cycle back and forth between its release position at a slightly different frequency than its neighbor. This results in some pretty neat alternating waveforms. Wave pendulums make great desktop toys for your rich dads, and have even been known to keep children quiet for up to 60 seconds. In addition, the can make nice props in classroom settings for illustrating physics principles such as potential and kinetic energy, air resistance, aliasing, and more.

About the Uniqueness of My Pendulum Wave

To my knowlege, the design for the pendulum wave in this instructable is unique for a number of reasons. First, the wave is intended to be viewed primarily from the top rather than a side (although it looks cool from the side, too). Consequently, it is important that the amplitude of each pendulum appears the same from above. While this requires a more complex release mechanism (instead of the typical flat board), it also leads to a very cool look. As far as I am concerned, a little extra coolness is worth a little extra effort, any day.

Release Mechanism

In order to release the pendulums at the varying release angles required for a top view, I designed a very original release mechanism. Each arm of the mechanism grabs its respective pendulum at a different time. This creates a wave effect as the mechanism curves up and around the pendulums. Once all pendulums have been selected and brought to their proper positions, the mechanism releases them all at the same time, creating the pendulum wave. The math for this is a little tedious, but the concept is pretty straightforward.

Here is a very crappy SolidWorks video demonstrating two arms of the release module in action:

Final Design

Here is an animation of the final design in action. Air resistance was neglected in this animation, which is why no damping occurs. However, since air resistance will not affect the period of the pendulum wave, that is fine.

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shareecehomes5 months ago

How much would you charge to make one of these. my fiancé loves it. Otherwise I'll make a run to hobby lobby and break out the tools.

mgrunwel2 years ago
Coxster (author)  mgrunwel2 years ago

Foxtrot702 years ago
And whos says science isn't fun!
locustboy2 years ago
Coxster (author)  locustboy2 years ago
ynze2 years ago
Coxster (author)  ynze2 years ago
Why thank you!
