1R50.40 Ball Bearing Model

Concepts

Single crystals, frustrated packing, grain boundaries, vacancies, vicinal surfaces

Overview

Ball bearings demonstrate single crystals, frustrated packing, grain boundaries, vacancies, vicinal surfaces and so on.

Details

Equipment

  • [1] Ball bearing model

Important Notes

  • The ball bearings can become electrostatically charged. If this happens, a few ball bearings will 'hover' near the surface
  • This demonstration works best when the model is nearly flat on the table/overhead. It does not work when it is held upright

Script

  1. To demonstrate a single crystal, slowly move the balls to the 120 degree end.
  2. To demonstrate frustrated packing, move the balls to round end.

 

Additional Resources

References

  • PIRA 1R50.40

Disclaimer

  • Don't attempt this at home!

Last revised

  • 2022

Technicals

  • This demo was made from two lucite plates and about 4000 1/16" ball bearings

Related AV

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If you have any questions about the demos or notes you would like to add to this page, contact Ricky Chu at ricky_chu AT sfu DOT ca.