Reducing resonance in a rotating "World"

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on techniques to reduce resonance in rotating sculptures called "Worlds," crafted from materials like copper and brass, and filmed using a Lumix GH4 camera with an Olympus 1:1 macro lens. The creator employs a spring mechanism and various pole designs to stabilize the rotation at 1 RPM, yet still encounters resonance issues. Suggestions include using different string materials, such as Kevlar or carbon fiber, and experimenting with wind-up mechanisms for smoother operation. The goal is to achieve a visually appealing 20-second video segment for an audio-visual project.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of resonance and its effects on rotating objects
  • Familiarity with filming techniques using macro lenses
  • Knowledge of materials like Kevlar and carbon fiber for suspension systems
  • Experience with mechanical systems, such as wind-up mechanisms
NEXT STEPS
  • Research techniques for damping resonance in rotating systems
  • Explore the use of different suspension materials for stability
  • Learn about advanced filming techniques with macro lenses
  • Investigate mechanical solutions for consistent rotation, such as wind-up devices
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for filmmakers, artists, and hobbyists interested in creating stable rotating displays, as well as those exploring resonance management in mechanical systems.

guyburns
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Background
I'm doing an AV about a friend who died 3 years ago. In his spare time he made hundreds of tiny, what he called "Worlds", sculpted out of copper, brass, aluminium, ranging from 1cm to 3cm across, hollow. They don't weigh much. I've set up a rig to film them rotating at 1 RPM. About a dozen of them will be used between chapters in the AV, 10-15 seconds, like a planet filling the screen. See attachment.

Rig Construction (see attachment)
I attached a thread to the centre of the second hand on an analog clock, from which hangs a spring. I chose the spring so I can easily attach new "Worlds" to the hook at the bottom of the spring. The spring does not act as a spring (as far as I can see).
Each "World" has its own thread, super glued to the top, with a loop at the other end which I connect to the spring's hook. The thread is the thinnest I could find – 0.18mm.

Resonance
The problem is – some of the "Worlds" resonate. They speed up and slow down, some even go into reverse. I thought: "Aha – I'll attach a long pole to the bottom of the spring, to act like those long poles used by high-wire artists. That'll add angular momentum, reduce wobbles, resonance, and generally smooth things out".

I made three "poles" out of thin, 1mm solder, 10, 15 and 20 cm across. I also fitted a straw as part of the testing (see attachment), thinking: this won't add much mass, but a lot of air resistance. But still, if I fit all four 'poles' in turn, there are resonances in some of the "Worlds".

Questions
Q1: Is there some catch-all solution to stopping resonance? Or will I have to tailor each 'pole' to each "World"?

Q2: I wait at least 5 minutes to allow resonances to die down, but some seem to persist. If I wait long enough, will resonance dissipate?

Q3: Any suggestions on other techniques to reduce resonance.

World 01.webp
World Rig.webp
 
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Does the seconds-hand move forward in steps or smoothly? If it moves in steps, that may be exciting the resonance. You will need to dampen the resonance and all higher frequencies. That may be done by changing the length of the fibre, maybe substitute thicker and softer string for the top part.

You could hang the world from a human hair, a Kevlar or carbon fibre, which could be much thinner than the thread.
 
guyburns said:
Q3: Any suggestions on other techniques to reduce resonance.
Just take a simple wind-up mechanism (from a toy or bought separately) and use it to rotate the object on a rigid sick. With a static black background the stick will be trivial to remove from the footage.
 
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Thanks for the responses. A rigid system, string or stick, would reduce resonance but it would be very difficult to make the "World" hang central, as it does when using a string. I reckon you'd see wobbling.

Anyway, my pole idea, while not eliminating resonances, slowed them down so much that I was able to get the required 20 seconds of relatively smooth rotation by filming for 3 minutes and choosing the smoothest section.
 
I still don't know what an "AV" is, but now I just have to see this video when it's finished.
 
DaveC426913 said:
I still don't know what an "AV" is, but now I just have to see this video when it's finished.
Audio Visual.
 
You can download one of the "Worlds" here. This is a 1080P example in copper. Some I filmed at 2160P (4k).

The AV isn't finished, as these "Worlds" are just chapter markers, but I uploaded this example so my "Depth of Field" advisor could see the result (he was the fellow who spent an evening with me several months ago working out how to film these things). Each 20-second video took about an hour to set up and film, using a Lumix GH4 fitted with an Olympus 1:1 macro lens.
 
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Baluncore said:
Audio Visual.
So, a "video".
 
guyburns said:
You can download one of the "Worlds" here. This is a 1080P example in copper. Some I filmed at 2160P (4k).

The AV isn't finished, as these "Worlds" are just chapter markers, but I uploaded this example so my "Depth of Field" advisor could see the result (he was the fellow who spent an evening with me several months ago working out how to film these things). Each 20-second video took about an hour to set up and film, using a Lumix GH4 fitted with an Olympus 1:1 macro lens.
Damn that's cool. Mesmerizing.

I love what you're doing to honour your friend and showcase his works. It's brilliant.

Can I offer one note? The image elicits a feeling of claustrophobia because it's crowding the frame edges. Maybe back off the target just a bit. Just enough to give some breathing room top and bottom.

Otherwise, it's gorgeous - really hypnotic to watch.
 

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