PiTop

G4G13

PiTop

Kenneth Brecher

Art

Rec Math

Pi is certainly one of the most important numbers in mathematics, physics, engineering and, indeed, in all scientific and even some artistic subjects. I have developed a new object which makes Pi tangible in novel tactile, acoustic and visual ways. The PiTOP is a right circular cylinder made out of brass with ratio of radius r to thickness t equal to pi. Because of this design, when spun the object also precesses (or rolls) for a rather long time, leading to an ever increasing precession frequency as it falls, producing what is sometimes called a "finite time singularity". The resulting sound and interplay of ambient light with the PiTOP is intriguing to the ear and delightful to the eye which also results in a strong "motion after effect" illusion. In this presentation I will talk about the development of the object, and demonstrate its physical and mathematical properties.

G13-065