A Coin that Spins and Spins and Spins
Kit for a large Leonhard Euler commemorative medal: complete with mirror platform on which it dances like a spinning top with increasing speed for up to 1 1/2 minutes.
Who hasn't experienced this? If you spin an upright coin, it rotates faster and faster until it comes to a sudden halt with a crash.
Thanks to its optimised properties, the AstroMedia Dancing Disc spins particularly long and noisily (Video). This kit for a dancing disc is a tribute to the brilliant mathematician Leonhard Euler and is dedicated to his memory. He was the first to describe the spinning process in several mathematical formulas, now known as Euler's Equations.
The Dancing Disc is significantly larger and heavier than an ordinary coin. In addition, the side edges of the disc have been optimised in such a way that frictional losses are particularly low. That is why it rotates all the longer and more impressively. With a bit of practice you can make the disc oscillate for over 2 minutes. The kit includes a round mirror, which is slightly concave and thus makes sure the stainless steel disk does not move too far from the centre during its dance.
The Principle
Give the dancing disc a good twist. Due to its weight, it leans a little more with each turn, becoming faster and louder at the same time. To put it simply, the disc gains the energy it needs for the ever-accelerating dance as its centre of gravity approaches the base: At the beginning it is erect, and the power required for this is stored in the disc as potential energy. This is released when the disc tilts and is converted into rotational kinetic energy.
This kit includes:
1 pre-punched and printed sheet of construction cardboard, DIN A4
1 concave mirror, Ø 200 mm x 2 mm
1 stainless steel disc, Ø 75 mm x 13 mm, 433 g
accessories: 2 stickers made of metal foil, printed
Detailed construction manual
Dimensions of the built model: approx. diameter 20 cm x 1.5 cm
Construction time: approx. 1 hour
Producer: AstroMedia GmbH, Im Wirrigen 30, 45731 Waltrop, Germany, astromedia.de
Below you can download the instructions for this kit.
Things you'll need for assembly, or which might be useful:
a firm, level working surface
if necessary: a fine brush to remove glue residue
a good universal glue
a sharp knife, e.g. our craft knife
a pair of scissors
some alcohol to clean the disc and mirror
Adult supervision:
Children under the age of 14 should only use the kit under adult supervision to avoid risks due to improper handling.
Risk of breakage:
Avoid knocks or tipping over the dancing disc as the glass is fragile. Set up in a safe, stable place, away from edges and heavily frequented areas. If the glass breaks, dispose of the broken pieces carefully and completely, wearing protective gloves if necessary to avoid injury. Do not reuse damaged pieces.
Risk of injury:
Take particular care when handling pointed and sharp parts! Use sharp tools with care and, if necessary, take suitable safety measures to avoid injury.
Fire hazard:
Keep away from naked flames and heat sources. Product contains highly flammable materials that can ignite when exposed to high heat.
Adhesive use:
Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions when using adhesives. Work in well-ventilated areas and avoid contact with skin or eyes.
Intended use:
The kit should be used in accordance with the enclosed instructions. Unauthorised modifications may impair the functionality and safety of the model built.
