Output details

Application of geometry in industrial design: reticulated tracery on cast iron products

This research investigates the geometries employed to create cast iron products, examining samples for industrial and domestic use from the nineteenth century and demonstrates how geometric designs such as reticulation - found in a case study - are composed. This research makes original observations regarding the design of stress-bearing components, demonstrating the Victorian engineers’ attempts to avoid sharp corners which can act as stress-raisers. The link between reticulated cast iron ornamentation and the higher strength-to-weight ratio of expanded meshes has been presented for the first time through a computerized Finite Element (FE) model of a side rail. The research question: ‘Why had decorative tracery been incorporated into functional objects and structures?’ led to current discussion within academia including quotations. Demonstrable impact on other researchers: Mendeley group 2 nk.

The research crosses discipline boundaries - it was developed through methods of reverse engineering and computerized simulation, but was richly informed by the archival study of pattern books and trade catalogues; also, philosophical debate on the history of industrial design and material culture. Currently the output is being developed to publication as invited and suplementary reseach undertaken through collaboration with J. Takayama, a lecturer at Kyushu Sangyo University, Japan, who decribes and visualises the algorithm of tracery work.

(Electronic) publication in the Proceedings of the ICGG2008 (CD-R and internet). Invited for publication in Journal for Geometry and Graphics, Heldermann Verlag. www.heldermann.de/JGG

www.mendeley.com/research-papers/tag/nk/+Application+of+Geometry+in+Industrial+Design:+Reticulated+Tracery+on+Cast+Iron+Products&cd=10&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk&source=www.google.co.uk

This research is peer-reviewed output, paper from biannual conference accepted for publication, subject to page fee to fund open-source journal publication, as specified by journal editor, in an invitation letter. Further research to be undertaken at/with four major repositories: 1. Singer study collection of the Glasgow Sewing Machine Museum, Clydebank; 2. Deutsches Historisches Museum, Berlin; 3. Powerhouse Museum, Sydney; 4. Smithsonian Institution, Washington; 5. Science Museum London; 6. Northampton Shoe Museum.