Let's be Concentric, Like Dad Taught Us

2015

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Five red semicircular arcs, all brothers and sisters, are looking for a unifying family

theme. Each wants to be able to move at its own rate, but still find something in

common with its siblings. The father reminds them that, as semicircles, it is possible

for them all to share a common centerline. Like all fathers, he also knows it can only

happen if the kids will just hold still!

 

In the sculpture, five arcs are mutually balanced. For each arc to come to rest at a

desired position, there is a possible set of counterweight position and mass

combinations. When at rest in that position, the forces and moments on an arc are

in equilibrium.

 

The brothers and sisters of the arc family decide to give concentricity a try. Each

sibling can move as it needs. But, connected to its family members, the family can

also count on converging at rest to a common center.