Are there any good books on elastics for a beginner?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around finding beginner-friendly books on elastics, specifically in the context of building a cart powered by elastics and wood. Participants explore the definitions and characteristics of elastics, particularly rubber bands, and their application in the proposed project.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the definition of an elastic and questions whether a steel spring qualifies as an elastic.
  • Another participant suggests that a rubber band could act as both a spring and an elastic, depending on its application.
  • There is a discussion about the energy storage mechanisms of different materials, with some participants speculating on the differences between spring materials and elastics.
  • A participant clarifies that they are specifically referring to rubber bands in their project.
  • Another participant asks about the most important performance category for the cart, such as speed, distance, hill-climbing ability, or load-bearing capacity.
  • The original poster indicates that distance and lightweight are the primary concerns for their cart.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express curiosity about the definitions and characteristics of elastics, but there is no consensus on a formal definition or the distinctions between elastics and springs. The discussion remains exploratory with multiple viewpoints presented.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions of elastics and the characteristics of different materials used in the project. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of how elastics function in different contexts.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in beginner-level projects involving elastics, rubber bands, and mechanical design, as well as those seeking to understand the properties of materials used in such applications.

PiRsq
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Are there any good books on elastics for a beginner? I want to build a cart where I use only elastics and wood to propel the cart...What books can help me with this?
 
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Originally posted by PiRsq
Are there any good books on elastics for a beginner? I want to build a cart where I use only elastics and wood to propel the cart...What books can help me with this?

what is an elastic?

in what sense is a steel spring not an elastic?

if a cart is driven by a twisted rubber band (like a rubberband
propellerdriven airplane) is the rubber band acting as a spring
or as an elastic

or both?

I suppose that spring materials can store energy without changing length very much---by torsion and bending

and I suppose elastics store energy by changing length

But I am just guessing. Is there an official definition
of what an elastic is? sorry I can't help. Just curious.
 
what i meant by elastic was rubber band
 
Originally posted by PiRsq
what i meant by elastic was rubber band

I understand, thanks. So your project is to make a rubberband
powered cart.

What performance category is most important to you?
speed? distance (range) on the level? hill-climbing ability?
load-bearing?
 
Its distance and lightweight
 

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