To create a dynamic installation representing oceanic trash by using a moving surface composed of waste materials
Copernicus provides a large source of marine related data. We got the forecast data for today (Mar 8) and used it to inform the speed of the movement of the sculpture.
Current prototype has 9 hard-coded values of today's forecast of sea surface wind wave mean period from midnight to tomorrow midnight.
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First quick prototype to understand the motion and the dynamics
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Planning of the structure
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CAD design
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Code the motor with basic movement
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Look for materials
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Manufacturing
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Assemble
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Update code
Problem 1: The structure in not stable enough
Solution: To do triangulations with strings
Problem 2: The initial assembly causes the strings to get tangled
Solution: Flip the direction of the motor
Problem 3: Burned barduino by accidentally connecting the 12v
Solution: Borrow another barduino, thanks Annna
Problems 4: Broken 3D prints: clamp and motor holder structure
Solution: Hot glue
Problem 5: Assembly the objects in the strings
Solution: Patience
Problem 6: Motor MDF structure bends
Solution: holding the structure by pulling
Problem 7: Motor driver not working properly
Solution: Replace the motor driver
To view this process as the first prototype for a kinetic sculpture, where we learn through its creation. If we were to make it again, we would allocate time to simulate the movement using Grasshopper. Additionally, we would enhance the aesthetic appeal through the manufacturing process, using molds to create shapes that enhance the movement.
Currently we can only control the speed and direction of the motor. We can also vary the distance and the number of the rotating arm, and this would vary the "amplitude" of the waves.
Because of it's triangular shape, the structure can be tiled. We can then have multiple modules creating a bigger wave effect.
Currently, the speed of the movement is based on real-world forecast from Copernicus, but the data is hard-coded. Further development can include real-time data retrieval and processing.
We can also implement more sensing inputs, like capacitive or audio, that would affect the movement - representing human disruptions to the natural environment.
| Part | Spec |
|---|---|
| Microcontroller | Barduino |
| Motor Driver | DRV8825 Stepper Motor Driver Carrier |
| Stepper Motor | NEMA17 Stepper Motor |
| 12v Power Supply | LRS-100-12 |
| 5v Power Supply | External Battery |
| Rods | |
| MDF | 3mm |
| Chicken Wire | |
| PLA filament | |
| Strings | |
| Cable ties | |
| Nuts and Bolts | M5 |
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Copernicus Global Ocean Waves Analysis and Forecast