QuakeDraw: Educational Working Seismograph Model

QuakeDraw

Welcome to QuakeDraw - an educational working model seismograph. Seismographs measure and record vibrations due to earthquakes. With QuakeDraw, you can learn how this works by manually simulating your own miniature earthquake and watching it plot the results! It is easy to swap new paper in and out for endless enjoyment and learning possibilities.

How it works: A marker is attached to a weighted swing arm, which is then attached by thin, flexible piece of plastic to the base of the assembly. The extra mass helps amplify the relative motion between the base and the marker, as it adds inertia, making the marker more resistant to the back-and-forth motion. The overall effect is that when the base is shaken, the marker draws lines on the drum proportional to the amplitude of the vibrations.

Bill of Materials (3D Printed)

Below are the parts of the model, labeled for ease of assembly.

Tools and Additional Materials

You will need the following tools for assembly:

• A pair of scissors
• A pair of small pliers or small screwdriver, for removing supports in tight places

You will need the following additional materials:

• A standard letter sized (8.5" x 11") piece of white paper
• A small amount of coins or other thin heavy objects for weight. Ideally, 8x US quarters, but anything roughly the same size should work.
• A Sharpie or other similarly sized marker

Additionally, you may choose to use glue to hold everything together. I have not attempted this, as the press fits work surprisingly well by themselves.

Assembly Instructions

1. Remove supports (x3) from part C using small pliers. 

2. Remove supports from part F. Use scissors to break the connection on the supports, then small pliers or small screwdriver to peel them away. The knob should turn freely once complete.

3. Connect part C to part B by lining up the pegs with the holes, pressing in, then turning slightly clockwise. It should fit snugly in place. DO NOT GLUE. If using glue in the assembly, to not use it on this step, as this piece is meant to be removable. The fit is a bit tight, so turn it back and forth 3-4 times to wear it in.

4. Connect parts D and E to part B as shown below. Make sure the orientation of part E is correct.

5. Connect parts E and F to part B as shown below. Again, make sure the orientation of part E is correct.

6. Connect the assembly from the previous steps to part A in the orientation shown below.

7. Connect part G to part A.

Instructions for Use

1. Cut a letter size piece of paper into three equal sections. Be sure to do this precisely, or they will not fit on the device. The easiest way is to first fold the paper over on itself into thirds, then cut along the seams.

   2.  Open up the retainer at the end of the drum by twisting slightly counterclockwise and pulling out.

   3. Tightly wrap one of the paper segments around the drum, with the seam up. Then, with your finger holding the seam against the drum, slide it into the gap at the end of the drum.

   4. Slide the retaining ring back onto the drum around the paper, and lock into place by twisting clockwise.

   5. Place weight in the slots on the swing arm. 4 US quarters on each side fit well, but any sufficient weight will work.

   6. Slide a Sharpie into the slod on the swing arm. This should be a very loose fit; the marker should rest against the paper only under its own weight.

   7. Simultaneously rotate the drum using the handle while gently shaking the device to simulate and earthquake. Try alternating between stronger vibrations and periods of rest to demonstrate the difference in results.

   8. Remove the drum retainer ring by rotating counterclockwise and pulling out.

   9. Remove the sheet of paper and analyze the results.