Build your first Djed
Rotations and linkages naturally apply ratios and constants into the geometry of operation.
Mechanical Role
Balances torque and keeps oscillation phase stable
Ancient Structure Parallel
Equilateral triangle base divisions; Orion’s Belt–aligned layouts
Architectural Role
Distributes load evenly, ensures geometric harmony in site planning
Symbolic Layer
Trinity symbolism; threefold balance of sky–earth–underworld
Key relations:
Arm spacing: 120 deg each (2*pi/3 radians).
Vector sum of equal forces at 120 deg: F1 + F2 + F3 = 0 (balanced).
Net torque for equal radial forces at radius r: tau_net = r*(F1 + F2 + F3) = 0.
Result for three equal tangential components: tau_net = (3*sqrt(3)/2)Fr (symmetric torque capacity).
Mechanical Role
Smooths energy transfer and resonance
Ancient Structure Parallel
Great Pyramid height-to-base ratios; temple façade proportions
Architectural Role
Creates visually and structurally stable forms
Symbolic Layer
Symbol of divine proportion; “harmonic beauty” in sacred design
Key relations:
Definition: (a+b)/a = a/b = phi.
Quadratic: phi^2 − phi − 1 = 0.
Length tuning (example): L1/L2 = phi.
Frequency/geometry hint: use phi steps to reduce reflection at junctions (no single “one eq” — design heuristic).
Mechanical Role
Defines rope travel, linkage mapping, and oscillation geometry
Ancient Structure Parallel
3-4-5 surveying triangles; diagonals in plazas and causeways
Architectural Role
Aligns baselines and corners precisely
Symbolic Layer
Sacred geometry of order; cosmic harmony in measurement
Key relations:
Pythagoras: a^2 + b^2 = c^2.
Square diagonal: d = L*sqrt(2).
Equilateral triangle height: h = (sqrt(3)/2)*L.
Link travel (horizontal x, vertical h): L_rope^2 = h^2 + x^2.
Mechanical Role
Predictable stroke-to-rotation conversion
Ancient Structure Parallel
Circular stone ring spacing (Stonehenge); arc-based causeway alignments
Architectural Role
Encodes astronomical sight lines and processional routes
Symbolic Layer
Cycles of the sun and moon; eternal return in ceremonial pathwaysDefines rope travel, linkage mapping, and oscillation geometry
Key relations:
Arc length: s = r*theta.
Chord length: c = 2rsin(theta/2).
From stroke to angle: theta = s/r.
Small-angle chord approx: c ≈ r*theta for theta << 1.
Mechanical Role
Gradual load control via Archimedean spiral rope wrap
Ancient Structure Parallel
Spiral ramps (pyramid construction theories); spiral petroglyphs (Newgrange, Malta)
Architectural Role
Represents astronomical cycles; supports gradual elevation changes
Symbolic Layer
Symbol of life force, time, and the path to enlightenment
Key relations:
Spiral: r(theta) = a + b*theta.
Rope wrap torque vs angle: tau(theta) = F * r(theta) = F*(a + b*theta).
Linear ramp of torque with angle gives smoother starts.
Mechanical Role
Converts rope or stroke travel into predictable angular displacement
Ancient Structure Parallel
Stone and wooden capstans; rotary drilling and milling devices in ancient workshops
Architectural Role
Enables controlled rotational work from linear inputs
Symbolic Layer
Cycles of craftsmanship; mastery over rotational force
Key relations:
Spiral: r(theta) = a + b*theta.
Rope wrap torque vs angle: tau(theta) = F * r(theta) = F*(a + b*theta).
Linear ramp of torque with angle gives smoother starts.
Mechanical Role
Uses harmonic timing to amplify motion with minimal input energy
Ancient Structure Parallel
Suspended pendulum gongs; tuned stone chambers with natural frequencies
Architectural Role
Enhances mechanical efficiency through resonance matching
Symbolic Layer
Harmony between force and timing; the “music” of mechanics
Key relations:
Natural circular frequency: omega_n = sqrt(k/m).
Natural frequency (Hz): f_n = (1/(2*pi))*sqrt(k/m).
Damped response (linear): mx'' + cx' + kx = F0sin(omega*t).
Steady-state amplitude (at drive freq omega):
X(omega) = F0 / sqrt((k − momega^2)^2 + (comega)^2).
Quality factor (light damping): Q ≈ (1/c)sqrt(km) and bandwidth ~ omega_n/Q.
Optional alignment scalar (if you later add celestial coupling)
Alignment coefficient: alpha_align = cos(theta_align).
Effective forcing (if applicable): F_eff = F0 * alpha_align.