~!~ The researchers carried out experiments to test how much force is required to tighten knots with an increasing number of twists // They then compared their observations with their theoretical predictions, and found that the theory accurately predicted the force needed to close a knot, given its topology and the diameter and stiffness of the underlying strand //
~!~ The configuration, or *topology, * of a knot determines its stiffness // For example, a granny knot is much easier to undo, as its configuration of twists creates weaker forces within the knot, compared with a reef knot // For centuries, sailors have observed such distinctions, choosing certain knots over others to secure vessels largely by intuition and tradition // http://ukcanadaus.blogspot.com/
~!~ Now researchers at MIT and Pierre et Marie Curie University in Paris have analyzed the mechanical forces underpinning simple knots, and come up with a theory that describes how a knots topology determines its mechanical forces //
~!~ The researchers carried out experiments to test how much force is required to tighten knots with an increasing number of twists // They then compared their observations with their theoretical predictions, and found that the theory accurately predicted the force needed to close a knot, given its topology and the diameter and stiffness of the underlying strand //
Comments
Post a Comment