How can I make my spinning ring last longer?

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    Ring Spinning
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around optimizing the spinning duration of a wedding ring on a table, focusing on factors that could enhance its spin time. Participants explore various aspects such as material properties, surface characteristics, and ring design, without delving into scientific explanations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a heavier ring may spin longer than a lighter one, and that a low-friction surface, such as glass, would be ideal.
  • There is a proposal to round the sides of the ring to minimize surface area and reduce wobble time as it slows down.
  • A question is raised about the potential effects of using Teflon spray on the surface to further reduce friction, with uncertainty about whether it would create a bumpy surface that could hinder spinning.
  • Another participant inquires about how the width and diameter of the ring might influence spinning and wobbling time.
  • One suggestion involves altering the ring's shape to that of a spherical bead with a small hole, which could theoretically improve spin time.
  • A participant mentions that a smooth wedding ring made of a dense material like gold alloy would be effective, noting that a greater mass should contribute to longer spin times.
  • Concerns are raised about heat generation during spinning, even with effective lubrication, and a comment is made regarding the aesthetic appeal of such a spinning ring.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the factors affecting the spin duration of the ring, with no consensus reached on the optimal design or materials. Multiple competing ideas remain present throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify specific assumptions regarding the definitions of "spinning duration" or the conditions under which the ring is spun, leaving some aspects of the discussion open to interpretation.

sidewalksound
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Hello all-

This is a logistics question asking for some guidance, rather than one requiring scientific explanation.

I'm currently in a battle of sorts with a friend to record the longest spinning ring possible (like a wedding ring). Basically, spin the ring on a table and time it until it completely stops. I'm curious about what factors would make the ring spin longer assuming the technique remains equal.

I assume a heavier ring is better than a light one, a surface that has as low a coefficient of friction as possible (glass?) is best, and the ring should be rounded on it's side versus flat to limit surface area...

Any other advice? As the ring slows there can be a significant amount of "wobble time" as it settles, this changes according to the shape but not sure what design is actually ideal. Also what about spraying the (glass) surface with a Teflon spray to reduce friction further? Or would that just make it slightly bumpy and slow it?

Thanks for any help with this, I'll credit the forum when I break the current world record (which by the way is unofficially 3 minutes and eleven seconds, as far as I can find).
S
 
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Also, the width and the diameter of the ring? How would those factor into spinning and wobbling time?

Thanks!
 
You can distort the ring into the shape of a spherical bead with a small hole in it. This should give you a good spin time. Topologically, it's still a ring.
 
Well it has to be a legitimate wearable ring, but I appreciate how that could help, thanks.
 
Oh, that kind of ring!

A smooth wedding ring would work best. It's made of gold alloy, so it's dense. 24 carot might work better. The cross section does a good job in minimizing air drag; it's close to the elliptical cross section used in biplane bracing wires. The greater the mass, the longer it should spin. Do you have a size 10 finger?
 
A spinning ring of the sort a person wears on a finger will always generate heat even with very effective lubrication.
I don't think it would be a hit as a fashion statement.
 
Mission accomplished.
 

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