Build your first Djed
The Ankh-Djed system is a forgotten class of simple machine. At small scale, it behaves like no lever, pulley, or gear in conventional teaching. It converts small, rhythmic inputs into sustained, amplified work through oscillation, resonance, and inertial alignment.
Built from rope, wood, and stone, the system draws from ancient geometry, architectural knowledge, and celestial alignment — linking practical mechanics to symbolic meaning.
Harmonic Oscillation
T = 2π√(m / k)
T = oscillation period (s)
m = oscillating mass (kg)
k = spring or rope stiffness (N/m)
Stored Oscillation Energy
E_osc = 0.5 × k × A²
A = oscillation amplitude (m)
Rotational Energy of Flywheel
E_rot = 0.5 × I × ω²
I = moment of inertia (kg·m²)
ω = angular velocity (rad/s)
Arc–Chord Relationship
c = 2 × R × sin(θ / 2)
R = rotation radius
θ = rotation angle (rad)
Frictional Heating
Q = μ × N × v × t
μ = coefficient of friction
N = normal force (N)
v = slip velocity (m/s)
t = time (s)
Oscillation Period – Derived from Hooke’s law (F = −kx) combined with Newton’s second law (F = ma). Solving for harmonic motion yields T = 2π√(m/k).
Energy Storage – Integration of force over displacement in a spring or rope tension system gives E_osc = 0.5 × k × A².
Flywheel Conversion – Linear stroke (s) is converted to rotation via a flywheel radius R_f: Δθ = s / R_f. Stored rotational energy follows E_rot = 0.5 × I × ω².
Arc–Chord Geometry – Relating chord length to arc angle ensures predictable conversion from stroke to rotation: c = 2 × R × sin(θ / 2).
Frictional Heating – Optional heating mode converts work into thermal output: Q = μ × N × v × t.
Tri-Radial Symmetry (120°) – Balances torque and maintains phase stability. Seen in equilateral triangle base divisions and Orion’s Belt alignments.
Golden Ratio (φ ≈ 1.618) – Smooths resonance and energy transfer. Found in Great Pyramid height-to-base ratios and temple façade proportions.
Pythagorean Triangles (√2, √3) – Maps rope travel and oscillation geometry. Matches ancient 3-4-5 surveying triangles and plaza diagonals.
Circumference and Arc-Chord Relationships – Converts stroke to rotation predictably. Parallels stone ring spacing and arc-based causeway layouts.
Spiral and Helical Geometry – Controls load transfer gradually via Archimedean spirals. Found in ramp theories and spiral petroglyphs.
Flywheel Circumference – Used in ancient capstans and drilling devices for controlled rotational work.
Oscillation Resonance – Mirrors tuned stone chambers and pendulum gongs, amplifying motion with precise timing.
Threefold Balance – Tri-radial geometry as a symbol of the sky–earth–underworld relationship.
Divine Proportion – Golden ratio as a universal constant of harmony.
Sacred Order – Pythagorean geometry representing cosmic balance.
Eternal Cycles – Arc and circumference relationships mirroring celestial orbits.
Spiral Path – Life, time, and enlightenment expressed through continuous curvature.
Rotational Mastery – Flywheel representing control over mechanical force.
Music of Mechanics – Resonance as harmony between timing and force.
Phase lock occurs when a periodic input matches the system’s natural frequency, causing stable oscillation without drift. In the Ankh-Djed, aligning to Polaris — nearly fixed in the night sky — provides a stable inertial reference frame. This reduces precession, keeps oscillations consistent over long periods, and enhances mechanical efficiency.
In other applications, phase lock improves efficiency in:
Electrical systems (phase-locked loops for signal synchronization)
Clocks and timekeeping (pendulum or quartz oscillators)
Communication systems (frequency synchronization)
Navigation (gyrocompass alignment)
Parameters:
Mass m = 500 kg suspended in the Djed structure
Spring equivalent stiffness k = 800 N/m
Amplitude A = 0.4 m
Input period matches natural period T = 2π√(m/k) ≈ 4.96 s
Operation time = 10 minutes (≈ 120 cycles)
Per-Cycle Energy:
E_osc = 0.5 × k × A² = 0.5 × 800 × (0.4²) = 64 J per cycle
Total Mechanical Energy Accumulated:
With perfect phase lock, each cycle adds constructive energy without reset.
After n cycles: E_total ≈ n × E_osc
E_total = 120 × 64 = 7,680 J (~2.13 Wh) in the oscillating mass itself.
With Flywheel Coupling:
If coupled to a flywheel with I = 25 kg·m² at ω = 5 rad/s:
E_rot = 0.5 × 25 × 25 = 312.5 J
Energy can be repeatedly injected, sustaining rotation beyond manual input periods.
If Heating is Desired:
Assume μ = 0.7, N = 4,905 N (500 kg), v = 0.1 m/s, t = 600 s:
Q = 0.7 × 4905 × 0.1 × 600 ≈ 205,000 J (~56.9 Wh) heat in 10 min.