{"id":1462,"date":"2017-10-03T12:07:36","date_gmt":"2017-10-03T16:07:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/geekhaus.com\/math103_fall2017\/?p=1462"},"modified":"2017-12-15T11:40:32","modified_gmt":"2017-12-15T16:40:32","slug":"open-project-meissner-tetrahedron","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/geekhaus.com\/math103_fall2017\/2017\/10\/03\/open-project-meissner-tetrahedron\/","title":{"rendered":"Meissner Tetrahedron"},"content":{"rendered":"

Group Members:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Michael Conway (Designer)
\nMichael Mathis (Math Consultant)
\nHunter Simmons (Writer)<\/p>\n

Project Idea:
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Our initial project idea is to create a Meissner tetrahedron. It involves taking a regular triangular tetrahedron, but then rounding all the parts to a precise point creates the Meissner Tetrahedron. What is really cool about this is that, although it is not like a circle containing zero edges and completely smooth, it will function in the same way as a circle if you were to use it by rolling a plane on top of it. Just like the circle, there will not be any bumps; only a smooth ride. If we are able to create the Meissner Tetrahedron in a timely manner, we would then like to use that figure to go deeper and then try to create a lemon juicer where the tetrahedron is used as the top part of the juicer and have a sphere or two placed underneath to catch the lemon juice.<\/p>\n

First Steps:
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We have learned that the Meissner Tetrahedron is definitely not as simple as it looks. The mathematical equations based around the tetrahedron are very complex, so we are trying to dig and find more information about the makeup of the design equations. For this we found a very helpful video that we hope to pull vital information from giving us a better sense of direction on how to do the calculations. This video is found here by Numberphile<\/a>.
\n<\/strong>During class we decided to see what our design will actually look like in reality, so we decided to print one of the Tetrahedrons we had found on thingiverse<\/a> to help in the design phase. We found the highest rated by likes and actual makes and decided to test it out. Surprisingly enough we had 2 unsuccessful prints, which we have yet to understand why they actual were not successful. The print wanted kept leaving a huge gash on one side which would ultimately lead to it splitting in half each time. We tried different sizes of prints both ending up in the same results. Hopefully next class we can potentially try using a different printer to see if that is the ultimate problem that keeps occurring. Here are some pictures of our unsuccessful prints.<\/p>\n

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Design Process:
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Since our design has been complicated to make, instead of using Tinkercad, we have decided to use a different program called AutoDesk Fusion 360. In order to get the equal rounded sides on the design, you initially have to start with a basic triangle while adding in 3 separate circles ultimately becoming half spheres to each side and grouping will ultimately pull the sides out to a rounded sphere like triangle which is ultimately the final design of the Meissner Tetrahedron. Since the design was so complex we had to follow a tutorial in order to help understand the software as well as how to make the design. If you want more detail you can watch and follow the tutorial here.<\/p>\n