Planimeter/Mechanical Integral Calculator
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A type of mechanical calculator that computes integrals or finds the area of a 2D shape with no electronic parts!
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Model information
- Source
- Printables
- Category
- Math
- License
- Creative Commons — Attribution — Share Alike
Build guide coming Soon™
What is a planimeter?
A planimeter is a type of mechanical calculator used to measure the area of a 2D shape or calculate the integral of a given function. This model in particular is a type of linear planimeter, meaning that it can only operate along a line, as opposed to a polar planimeter which can operate around a point. The precision of this tool is not very practical and can be fiddly to get working reliably, but the goal is for this to be used as an educational aid. I was inspired by Jack Monaco's video about this concept to create this model as a DIY kit. Please go give his channel some love, he explains the concepts of how this all works very well:
Things you will need to assemble (Amazon links are below. However, try to support your local businesses):
- ¼ inch (6.5mm) diameter wooden rod
- Any wire thinner than 16 gauge
- 6mm diameter rubber beads
- Two wide rubber bands, no more than 1cm wide
- (Preferably) An appreciation of mathematics
Shopping links: