Jellyfish
Computational Design
A side project to learn how to build and transform computational geometries using grasshopper and Rhino.
Using the robotic arm to create the movement using LED Lights.
Project guidance - Stefano Arrighi
Head of Advanced Geometries Department at Studio Olafur Eliasson
Industry
Computational Design
My Role
GH Code, Schematics, Computational diagram, Robotic
Timeline
Q1 2023
Tools
Context
Schematic organism movements in grasshopper
Understand the schematic movement of an organism and use it as the foundation to create a linear movement using Grasshopper.
The pattern could further be manipulated by changing the number of rotations, orientation, and looping patterns.
Using the animals movement was only a starting point to develop an interesting linear pattern.
This Grasshopper script was then traced in the air by a Robotic Arm equipped with a LED-Light.
Long Exposure Light photography using a Robotic Arm
Image captured by the camera when the Robotic Arm with LED light was moving in a dark room
Schematic Description
How can the biological features be interpreted into a mechanical drawing?
Mechanics:
The jellyfish swims by relaxing and contracting a ring of muscles around the umbrella shaped bell. The muscles open and close the bell, drawing in water and then forcing it our again to push the jellyfish forward. This is known as jet propulsion.
Geometric rules
Rhythm: The undulations of the jellyfish's body occur in a rhythmic pattern, due to it's radial symmetry it's rhythmic movement is rather calming to observe.
Rotation: The rotation of a jellyfish depends on the direction it's moving in but due to the radial symmetry, the rotation is hard to determine.
The Schematic breakdown of a Jellyfish
Rhythm, Rotation, Symmetry, Scale, Frequency
Symmetry: The jellyfish has a radial symmetrical structure, enabling it to expand and draw in equal water from all sides.
Scale variation: Due to the thick, elastic, jelly-like substance, the jellyfish's change in scale is very prominent. It convulses and expands, growing in size when it floats in the water.
Frequency: The frequency of the undulations can range from several per second to several dozen per second, depending on the speed at which the jellyfish is swimming.
Grasshopper Representation
Grasshopper Script
Directional views of the Grasshopper code
Outcome
Long Exposure Photography
A separate grasshopper file was set up with parameters defining the range of motion of the robotic arm, colour inputs for the LED lights and capturing the motion on the camera.
This pattern was then created using a Robotic Arm. The tip of the Robotic Arm, was equipped with a LED light and the light drawing is captured using long-exposure photography.
