Designing motion: analytical and computational exploration of a kinetic sculpture’s behaviour

ABSTRACT:

This research was initiated to investigate the dynamic behaviour of Len Lye’s Kinetic Sculpture Trilogy. Safety concerns and reliability issues have led to the call for a redesign of the original mechanism. Numerical methods including FEA are used to model the artworks dynamic behaviour. Vibratory mode shapes and natural resonance frequencies of the artwork are found. Motion Capturing (MOCAP) is employed to experimentally analyse and record the dynamic behaviour of the artwork. Whirling behaviour in the form of mode shapes was recorded equally below and above the resonance frequencies.