Kepler’s bowl was finished this weak after many trials. I also completed my Women In Science page as well. It has been a wonderful summer and I hope my experience will guide me to better things in the future.
My summer research project included creating universal joints, operating the Z-printer, a three dimensional printer, and studying Kepler’s model universe. To create these joints I learned a program call Alias Studio Tool. With Alias it is possible to render three dimensional objects using pre-designed shaped and curves. The designs are then converted to STL files which are used to drive the printer. After printing the first joint a number of problems were evident.
 Fig 1 |
The claw-like structure that held the ball was too thin, the rod that extended out of the ball was too thin, the powder that remained in the claw was hard to remove from the structure, and the overall sizing of the joints was too large. I was able to correct the powder problem by designing holes in the claw. The sizing took many attempts but in the end I was able to create a structure that worked well; see Fig. 1 above.
Once I had the principle universal joint created, I started to design the “knitting needles” locked chain. After many failed attempts, I came to the conclusion a joint with the necessary freedom of rotation would not have the structural integrity to hold together. (Fig. 3)
 Fig 2 |
 Fig 3 |
Johannes Kepler developed a model universe that was based on the five Platonic solids. These five solids would nest inside one another and represent the orbits of the planets. This model also explained why there were only six planets in the solar system. I used the Platonic solids created by Gillian to make a model of Kepler’s “punch bowl.” (Fig. 3) Although the ratio of orbit radii predicted proved false (the national science foundation), Kepler’s model remains an outstanding example of how art and science can be woven together.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|