Page | 0

Introduction
In the previous memo, the team emerged with 2 concrete ideas, namely the "Arc of Narnya" and the "Unbound". However, the latter exhibit pales in comparison mostly due to its lack of engagement with our target group - students aged 9-16 who have just begun their venture into the scientific world and are yet to form any biased perceptions towards the sciences. This posed a problem as the lack of engagement meant that the mission and objective, which was "To inspire an appreciation for the sciences via the demonstration of subtle, but counterintuitive concepts, hence working towards an ultimate greater purpose of reviving interest in applied sciences in the human race" could not be met. The "Unbound" was thus discarded. This memo will therefore demonstrate how the "Arc of Narnya" was further improved. To cater to consumers with varying needs, the exhibit was eventually stripped down to its fundamental functions, then reinvented, resulting in the birth of a novel exhibit, the "Interactive Water Platform".

Background Research and Calculations

Our exhibit's first function is to deflect water stream away using electrostatic source as illustrated in the figure below:

Figure 1: water bending Electrostatic source

Case 1

Case 2

Case 3

To understand this process, there are some general assumptions to be made. Firstly, the electric force is solely exerted either horizontally or vertically on the stream of water as the force is strongest at the shortest distance to the water stream. Secondly, the dipole moment of water is not additive. Thirdly, the curl effect (aligning of water molecule) to the electric field is small and therefore negligible. And
Page | 1

finally, the intermolecular forces of water is assumed to be the tensional force that holds the water stream together while it is bent. Case 1: Dipole moment of water, p = 6.2 x 10-33 m1.

Where r is radial distance from the water stream.

Case 2: Water has horizontal pressure P, which comes from the pressure = . A is the area of water stream.

is the required condition in order for the water to bend sideways.

Case 3: Similar to case 2, in order for the water to bend upwards.

From the above calculations, it can be derived that manipulation of the following variables approximately produces the desired angle of deflection: (1) Q: charge on the static source, (2) r : distance of separation between source and water, (3) mass of water: radius of water stream, area of the water stream, (4) pressure of water.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/diph2o.html

Page | 2

The second function to be explored is the total internal reflection of monochromatic laser light within the water stream. This results in the light following the medium it is in, thus following the path of water as illustrated on the right2:

Figure 2: total internal reflection

The concept explored is an extension of the Snell's Law, for refraction of light through 2 different mediums, the first having a refractive index of having a refractive index of . and the second

is the angle of incidence in the first medium, as it is the refracted angle as the light

strikes the boundary between the 2 mediums. ray emerges from the second medium

The critical angle is the angle of incidence, such that the refracted angle is 90 and can be calculated by For any angle of incidence larger

than the critical angle, light will not exit the surface and instead be totally reflected internally (along the interface). However. when the angle of incidence the critical angle, refraction will continue to occur (figure 33): is less than

Figure 3: angle of incidence and reflection

Therefore, the controlled variables include the angle of incidence and available mediums which result in different refractive index values. In this case, water was the
2 3

http://courses.umass.edu/plecprep/optics/pics/6a4445d.jpg http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/37731/refraction-reflection-and-what-is-total-reflection

Page | 3

preferred medium as it serves as the link which would allow the integration of these two concepts into a single exhibit. In terms of cost, availability, and safety, water was also the best medium that could be utilized. As an added advantage, recycled water may be utilized, since the only requirement was for the water to be non-ionized. Ionized water possesses better conductivity hence preventing static build-up. This decreases the likelihood of charging from the static source and demonstration of any bending at all. Utility of recycled water also appropriately ties in with Singapore's focus on various campaigns encouraging water conversation. Conclusively, the functions of water bending and light bending demonstrates the much needed flexibility which would allow for the achievement for similar

phenomena via the permutation of the variables, hence allowing us to apply these functions to different scenarios.

Customer and Site Analysis

To maximize the effectiveness of the exhibit design, as well as to bring out our scenario spatially through the proposed frameworks, crucial findings from various previous analyses must be closely considered. These observations are summarized as follows:

No Item 1. Exits and Entrance

Description Single entrance and exit

Relevance to our exhibit Exhibit can be located near the entrance or exit. More noticeable

Ambience

Noise level is high

No sound producing exhibit. No videos or sound exhibit

Brightness

Dim lighting

Less words on the description board. Words should be big enough. Adding of laser lights on the water streams to highlight the water streams

Page | 4

No 1

Customer Needs Display

Description Interview visitors showed high preference for this.

Relevance to our final design Opted not to be considered for our design. Interactive and experiential designs leaves a deeper impression.

Interactive

Physical interaction involved. Mostly hands gestures. Eg. Pushing buttons.

Encourages visitor to participate/ operate/ play with the exhibit.

Experiential

Spatial experience. Eg. Walking through. A higher level of interaction than the interactive set up

Leaves a stronger impression to the visitors

Informative

The hard science/ facts behind it. Exhibit should not contain too Learning experience of the exhibit. Visitors are seeking an exhibit that is easy to understand. much of a description.

Fun Factor

Interesting/ Fun exhibits attracts

Interesting and colourful looking

the visitors more. It captures their from afar. Thus adding laser in attention and changes their attitude towards our exhibit. the streams in the arc. The mini competition in the IWP allows visitor to play a simple game with another user 6 Application to everyday life Visitors are seeking exhibit that contains knowledge or Exhibit with high relevance to the target audience. Properties

information that can be applied to of water. The power of their everyday life. 7 Degree of simplicity Simple yet meaningful exhibit. Eg, egg hatching. controlling water. Simple enough for the target audience to comprehend and not too troublesome to read or understand what the exhibit is about

Page | 5

Analytical Experiment
To test the limits of our function, we conduct several stages of experiments as followed: Stage 1: elementary functional experiment Materials: transparent 500 ml bottle, deionized water, pail, solder, plastic comb, laser pen. These items are set up as followed (figure 4):

When the charged comb was held close to the water stream, it bends towards the comb. The laser pointer was aimed into the water stream such that it was tangent to the path the water stream exits the bottle. The light within the water stream follows the path of which the water bends but it is only largely visible at the part bent part of the stream and at the end of the stream (figure 5):

Figure 5: water bending

Figure 4: water bending

Page | 6

Result: Distance between comb and water stream (cm) 0.1 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 >4 90 80 60 50 45 20 10 10 No bending Degree of bending (o)

Conclusion: The experiment appropriately demonstrates the ability of a relatively weak static source such as a charged comb in bending water. Thus, when provided with instruments that are capable of generating a stronger electrostatic field, separation distance between the source and the water could be further increased such that spatial arrangement may be explored. Also, the positioning of the laser source was crucial, lest the light bending effect would fail to demonstrate. Stage 2: Making of the static source machine This experiment was repeated with the same bottle hence the diameter of the water stream could be kept constant. However, the previous static source of the charged comb was replaced with the Van de Graaff (VDG) generator which would be capable of generating a larger electrostatic field. Due to its high cost (min $300), a custom Van de Graaff was constructed instead, to test its feasibility before purchasing the machine. The approximate cost of the DIY Van de Graaff was $20 by utilizing household items that could be easily obtained. Its assembly is illustrated below (figure 6):

Page | 7

Front view:

Side view:

Two metal bowls of diameter 14cm, edge is taped together using vinyl tape 44 cm metal rod upper wire brush, electrically attached to the bowls.

Rubber belt acryllic rod

clear acryllic tube, d=4cm 6V dc motor

direction of rotation

lower wire brush attached to the ground.

Figure 6: Van de Graaff generator

Actual prototype How it works: This VDG The runs dc based on

triboelectric

properties.

motor,

when

attached to a battery closest the circuit. The rubber band strips away electron from the upper metal roller as it rotates, leaving the roller positively charged and the rubber band negatively charged. The negative charges on the rubber band are weak as compared to the positive charges concentrated around the small metal roller. Electrons in the upper brush is attracted by the metal roller which is positively charged, such that the electrons spray
Figure 7: Van de Graaff prototype

from the top of the metal brushes to the air.

However, the air molecules are unable to come into contact with the metal which is covered by the rubber belt and instead, touches the rubber belt, increasing the electron density of the belt. When the negatively charged rubber belt travels down and pushes the electrons out from the bottom brush, it attracts the electron away from air molecules. Hence the air molecules become positively charged and as it comes into contact with the negatively charged belt, the belt is neutralized, hence repeating another cycle of "stripping" and "pulling" electrons4. The result of the experiment could be found in the table below.

http://science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/vdg.htm

Page | 8

Distance between VDG and water

Degree bending (o)

of

Distance between VDG and water

Degree of bending (o)

stream (cm)

stream (cm) 0.1 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 90 90 80 60 60 30 3.5 4 4.5 >5 20 20 10 No bending

Strips of tissue paper attached to the bowls serve to test the working condition of the device. If the device is working fine, the tissue should repel each other. The custom VDG is far more effective when compared to a comb. However, it might still be insufficient as the distance is relatively too small. While the mechanism behind VDG machine is simple, proper triboelectric materials are more difficult to obtain. Nonetheless, it is possible to customize the VDG machine according to our design needs. Another problem observed was the over deflection of the water streams hence coming into contact with the VDG and neutralizing its static charges. A possible workaround of this issue includes placing a thin layer of plastic between the VDG and the water stream. However, a possible drawback would be the slight, or even significant weakening of the electrostatic field, depending on the thickness of the plastic covering. Stage 3: water circulation system A simple water circulation system was designed that included the use of an electric pump and rubber pipes. It is crucial that the rate of input of water should be at least equal to the rate of output in order for the function to work. The function will inevitably fail if there was insufficient water input. Excessive input of water could result in overflow of the upper tank. This obstacle was overcome by introducing a secondary opening allowing the outflow of the excess water if it exceeds a certain level.

Page | 9

Frameworks Process
1). Arc of Narnya Based on the experimental results, customers, and site analysis, we make further improvement to the Arc of Narnya, the idea we chose to develop from project 2. There are 10 streams of water on each side of the pillar as illustrated below (figure 8):

Water streams of diameter 1 cm, each is 10 cm apart

100 cm

100cm

Perspective

Top view

Next, instead of being a continuous display of water and light bending, elements of user control will be introduced. Initially, the water undergoes free fall, until visitors approach the arch. This will trigger a light sensor which closes the circuit for the VDG generator hidden within the pillars of the arch. The generated electrostatics field causes the water to bend sideways, allowing visitors to traverse through it into the next location. Following that, the sensor reaches a timeout, neutralizing the VDG machine hence allowing the water return back to its original position. This reinvented structure serves to provide a more unique experience in addition to observing and interacting with the exhibit. Visitors are now provided with the opportunity to use the exhibit, and experience the phenomena spatially in all three dimensions, in place of observing a display. From our customer needs analysis, it was established that the majority of consumers preferred a display exhibit, whereby entertainment value was derived from mere observation. This finding was challenged by the provision of a unique, immersive experience instead of an observing platform. The system should ideally be sufficiently intuitive such that
Page | 10

operation could be achieved with little or no instruction. However, to suit the more discerning audiences, information panels will be provided on the wall adjacent to the arch. The meaning of the exhibit lies in the arrangement and amalgamation of simple scientific concepts, thus providing a rare counterintuitive experience, ultimately inspiring consumers in realistic appreciation and application of the sciences. Lastly, the ability of the proposed exhibit in relating with the visitor is of the highest priority. The demonstration of simple functions and utility of easily obtainable household materials serve to enhance the mission - to intrigue interest in applied science from useful and inspiring expression. 2). Skeletal structures Joints The joints of the structure are constructed out of of wood columns, as illustrated in figure 9 below:

Top and bottom section Figure 9: Arc of Narnya structure

Side section

Page | 11

Assembled Units Hinge This hinge serves as the connection between assembled singular units to form the three dimensional arch structure using nails and bolts. Arrangement of functional parts

Page | 12

The dimensions of the arch are designed with considerations of the site and consumers in mind, such that at least two persons of average built can simultaneously enter at once. The preferred material for construction of several arches and bridges is wood due to its strong and sturdy characteristics which enables stability in tall structures. Though the system involves circulation of water which can be of potential harm to the wood, this can be solved by utilizing specific types of wood, such as marine plywood which can withstand water corrosion. Since the general increase in price is approximately three to four times that of common plywood5, another possible alternative would be to apply a protective water resistant finishing, using tung oil. Apart from providing the wood with a warm glow finishing its safety and simple application6 makes it the prime choice. Next, to reduce the risk of fire hazards that may arise from short circuiting of electrical equipment present within the structure, zinc chloride, ferric chloride, boric acid, and ammonium phosphate solutions could be applied to increase fire resistance7 of the wood. Another fire prevention method would be the addition of a fuse in these electrical equipment such that operation may be halted when electrical current exceeds the safe value. 3). Skin and exterior For the exterior of the structure, the material should be selected based on its flexibility and malleability in addition to aesthetic qualities. The table below displays information of possible materials that were considered for the exterior covering of the structure8.

5 6

http://www.misterplywood.com.au/Products/Plywood/MarinePlywood/ThemythaboutMarinePlywood.aspx http://www.finewoodworking.com/pages/w00060.asp 7 http://www.ehow.com/how_7592468_fireproof-wood.html 8 http://en.ketelong.com/all_detail/&productId=d0f1d466-27dd-45e6-b4cc-

Page | 13

No Material 1 Arcyllic

Properties 1. Hard enough to withstand pressure 2. Solid looking 3. Brittle 4. Easy to cut

Light diffusing PC sheet (~3mm thickness)

1. Translucent but not clear 2. High impact strength 3. Excellent strength retention at elevated temperatures 4. High tensile, shear, and flexural strength 5. High modulus of elasticity 6. Low deformation under load 7. Good electrical insulation properties 8. Easy to fabricate

Acrylic is not a prime choice due to its lack of malleability and flexibility. Furthermore, its tensile strength greatly pales in comparison to that of other similar and readily available materials such as the Light diffusing PC sheet. The Light diffusing PC sheet is preferred mainly due to its high tensile strength. The slightly translucent texture helps to enhance the exhibit by creating an illusion of space, in addition to resembling the colour of water. A transparent PVC sheet is best avoided, such that the rather disorganised inner mechanism and structure of the arch may be concealed to increase the counter-intuitive properties of the exhibit 4). Interactive water platform As discussed, the arch is one possible scenarios the which exhibit by only

demonstrates function.

However,

considering these fundamental functions, one can realise that they can be designed to fit a variety of arrangements. An issue of concern with the arch lies with its lack of synergy with
Figure 10: interactive water platform

the given site, as visitors may be drawn to physically manipulate the water, hence
Page | 14

wetting its surroundings. Therefore, to address this issue without compromising too much on the effectiveness of the design, the arc serves as a primary inspiration towards the generation of the idea of an interactive water platform as illustrated below: This object is a development of the arch, formed by revolving it 3600 to obtain a three dimensional cylindrical structure with a dome-like cover. Results from the site analysis show that counter-intuitively, the least designed exhibit is actually the most popular due to it being the most relatable. Visitors hence leave with better impression and more meaningful learning points from a simple exhibit a compared to those exhibits which are awe-inspiring but too complex to understand. The Interactive Water Platform offers a unique hands on experience in both water and light bending. Firstly, operation and adjustment of the strength of the VDG machine is left to the visitor, and varying its position will produce a variety of bent water shapes, as illustrated in the Background Research. Next, the direction of the water flowing from the upper tank can be varied by adjusting the pressure of the water stream. Lastly, the vertical displacement of the upper tank can also be manipulated along the axial supporting pipe, hence allowing for almost unlimited possibilities of manner where the water streams may be bent. As visitors are drawn to invest more time in interacting with this exhibit, this would translate into a better and longer-lasting impression. In designing and positioning the structure, it is placed in the middle of the site and kept circular for better access greater ease in operating the system, respectively. Additionally, the shape of the exhibit is designed with considerations of the theme exhibited by the given site; the earth exhibit also possesses a hemispherical shape. Next, the height of the exhibit was designed to be accessible for the average 9-12 year-old, yet comfortable for the taller teenagers and adults. Lastly, a clear acrylic material is chosen for the hemispherical dome to allow for a better view and adequate strength as compared to other material choices such as brittle glass. Visitors can then choose to lean over to observe the exhibit safely. Consequently, the enclosed structure prevents the water from affecting the surroundings.

Page | 15

Structure and materials

Perspective view

Top View

Front View

The upper tank can be constructed out of a circular PVC pipe of 4 cm diameter mounted on the rail on the vertical PVC pipe which is the main pillar for water circulation. The 1 cm diameter holes on the top view serves as an opening for flexible water pipe to enter the tank.

Page | 16

The Structure

Pillar top view

Pillar front view

Pillar side view

Circular support side view

Circular top view

Perspective view

Rendered viewpoint

The materials for the drum-like body are made out of plywood. A silver PC sheet should be utilized as the covering due to its symbolism with the electrostatic theme of the exhibit, while the transparent hemispherical acrylic cover resembles the water components.

Page | 17

Mechanism The controlling mechanism comprises of a switch to turn the machine off and on and a display showing the current settings for the device, in addition to the four other mechanisms listed below: 1) Water pressure control From the tests conducted, it was discovered that the water pressure can be controlled either by changing the power of the water pump or by adjusting the size of the hole in which the water flows out. With minimum pressure, the water experiences free fall under gravity, while with maximum pressure, water should exit at a 900 angle. 2) VDG strength control The VDG used here will no longer be triboelectric, but instead fitted with a DC controller. The lower brush of the VDG can be connected to either electrodes of a variable DC source and this will induce static electricity to the upper brush as the rubber rotates along the vertical axis. The controller alters the voltage supply of the DC source hence, resulting in varying strength of the generated electrostatic field. 3) Upper shower mechanism The inner circumference of the circular tank is attached to a rail on the vertical pole. It can be controlled by a lever which is electrically connected to the control panel through a simple mechanism involving pulleys and weights. 4) VDG rail mechanism By manipulating the controller left and right, the wheels attached on the Van de Graaff (which rests on the lower rail) will glide and follow the movement. Each Van de Graaf are limited to rotate up to half of the sphere, to prevent meeting of both, hence causing a static discharge (short circuit) which is a potential hazard near flammable objects.

Page | 18

4). Site plan The proposed site for the arch is the entrance of the exhibit (site A) while that for the Interactive Water Platform is at site B, in the middle of the hallway of the allocated site.

Entrance

Site A Earth Exhibit Site B

Exit to Genome

Figure 11: Science Centre Exhibit - Bioethics

Arches are mostly ornamentations that symbolize an entrance, which can be considered literally as entering a novel location, from a previously known location. Situating the Arc at the entrance further enhances its meaning as opposed to the other available locations that conveys little meaning since there is little change in the location before and after. Being an entrance towards the bioethics section, he enclosed interior of Site A serves as an excellent housing for the structure. Two structures - one for the exit and one for the entrance will be positioned and differentiated through the contrasting laser colours: blue for entrance and red for exit. Its dimension ensures the entry or exit of two average persons simultaneously, since being too narrow portrays an unwelcoming exhibit and excessive space discourages close observation of the
Page | 19

functions. By entering the bioethics section through the arch, its meaning is further enhanced with the beginning of a discovery of our earth, our life, and the intrigues of science intertwined with reality. However, due to the involvement of water in an open space, it may not be so ideal to house this structure indoors. The problem of visitors, especially the young physically experimenting with the water and affect the surrounding could be reduced through the use of notification boards or modification of flooring material within a 1 m radius such that water may be absorbed. Examples of absorbent material include garage floor mats, which are commonly used in garages to absorb various liquids leaked from cars such as gasoline, oil, dirt, or melted snow9. This exhibit should thus be located at Site B to allow for maximum interaction with the visitors. Since this platform is circular and requires access from all sides, this exhibit can be placed singly in Site B without looking out of place. The Interactive Water Platform also complements the arch which acts as a precursor to the larger attraction. Consequent to being exposed to the two functions of water and light bending, visitors are immediately able to interact with the function themselves.

http://www.mygaragestore.com/detail.aspx?ID=1577

Page | 20

Beta Prototype The beta prototype consists of a working functional prototype coupled with a 1:10 exhibit prototype. The parts of the functional prototype is as follows: 1). Upper water tank

Top view

Material: Transparent acryllic sheet.

Side view

Perspective view

Front view

Calculation: In order to determine the dimensions of the tank, initial calculations must be done such that after considering the inflow of water by the pump into the tank, the outflow must be equal to this inflow to prevent the tank from overflowing the tank or from running dry. Min. height of the tank (meters)10= From the pump: the inflow of water = 166.67 cm3/s. Several assumptions are made: 5 streams of water flows through holes of 0.5cm diameter and Inflow of water into the tank equals to outflow of water from the tank. The calculated height of the water in the tank > 14.6cm.

10

http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/)

Page | 21

Construction: The upper water tank consists of two parts, an open tank and a top casing. The open tank is 10cm by 15cm by 20cm in size constructed from 5 individual plates of acrylic sheet (2x 10cm by 20cm, 2x 15cm by 20cm for the sides and a base of 10cm by 15cm). For the base, 5 holes of diameter 0.5cm, 1cm apart were drilled in the centre portion of the base. This is to allow outflow of water from the tank, which was required in order to eventually bend the laminar water flow from these holes. These 5 sheets were then joined along the edges with acrylic glue and left to dry. After which, a layer of silicon glue was applied along the edges in order to waterproof the tank and prevent leakages. The tank also consists of a top casing initially measuring 19 cm by 6 cm, but bent 2.1cm by 15.1 cm that would allowed it to be able to cover the top of the tank. 5 holes of diameter 1.5cm, 1 cm apart were drilled on the top casing such that the laser pointers may be positioned in place, hence ensuring the laser light may penetrated through the bottom holes and follow along the path of the out-flowing water. 2. The functional frame
Top

Front Page | 22

Next, a functional frame was designed to house the necessary components. The functional frame takes on the shape of a cuboid, constructed from plywood. Wood glue and L-shaped brackets were initially used to join the pieces of wood, and reinforced with the upholstery stapler towards the end to help speed up the construction process. A 10.6 cm by 35 cm and 20 cm by 35 cm plywood was attached at the length to form the base of this frame. This area is sufficient to include a modified side table bought from IKEA. For the front face, two pieces of 10 cm by 62.5 cm and 20 cm by 62.5 cm plywood were connected with a 35 cm by 10 cm of plywood. This forms 2 compartments adjacent to frame in which a Van de Graaff generator would be placed in each compartment. The back face of the frame was constructed in a similar manner. The top of the frame consisted of a 63 cm by 31.6 cm and 32.5 cm by 31.6 cm of plywood was combined at the width. This acts as a concealment for the inner mechanism of the arc consisting of the Van de Graaff generators. A gap of 16.5 cm by 10.5 cm is created on this top face of the frame using a jig-saw for the water tank to firmly rest on the IKEA side table, with an adequate height to demonstrate the bending of water. A second plastic container would be placed below to collect the out-flowing water, following which, two water pumps would replace the water in the upper tank. 3). The Van de Graaff. We purchased a commercial Van de Graaff which is more stable than our experimentally derived Van de Graaff.

1:5 framework prototype Although both scenarios are of equal

importance, we decide to do the scaled model of the water platform to explore more about its interesting shape. Our prototype is made of wood and acrylic:

Page | 23

Conclusion
Conclusively, the greatest improvement involves the evolution of the exhibit from a singular structure into a possible exhibit consisting of 2 separate objects. By stripping the initial idea of the Arc to its fundamental functions, one is thus able to envision the application of these functions to a novel exhibit without being limited and restricted. Through the exploration of the array of arrangements available for the 2 fundamental functions, it witnessed the creation of a secondary, and possibly even more exceptional exhibit as compared to the pre-conceived idea. Furthermore, while the Arc caters to the needs of more passive visitors, the Interactive Water Platform makes up for its lack of interaction by suiting the needs of consumers who demand for a hands-on experience. Undeniably, the process of constructing this exhibit from scratch has been an arduous one. However, it doubt a fruitful venture from the initial stages of understanding to the final concepts produced to date.

Page | 24

Page | 25