Monday, November 7, 2011

KHMAY.SS.CLASS.MaterialTests



The initial design of simply embedding the PVC in concrete proved to be quite resistant to bending force however it was clear that the stalk PVC could be deformed enough at the base that would lead to material failure.  These tests were also completed during around 45 degrees. Assuming the conditions could be half this temperature, the PVC would be more brittle, less elastic, and more prone to bending failure.  To counter the lever arm force apparent at the base, we introduced a hinge joint (or something closer to it) to prevent failure from bending.  There is an internal sleeve of rubber conduit that connects two pieces of PVC tubing at the base. This allows the stalk to connect to the base via a more flexible material (rubber conduit).   

The rubber conduit (grey colored material) has a tendency to curve due to its packaging, this gives the stalks a slight angle coming out of the base which coincides with our intention of avoiding repeatative  

And I apologize for Blogger's inability to format and display photos.  See my better blog @ khmay.info