Lorentz Transform Simulator

General

The lorentz transform, time dilation, and length contraction are essential to understand how the universe works and why space and time are actually like two sides of the same coin (spacetime). At the heart of this all it the humble lorentz transform. However understanding the fundamental principles of special relativity may seem incomprehensible for the average person and complex equations do not make everything easier. To facilitate the comprehension of these concepts, I built a mechanical model that does the lorentz transform for you

Materials

• Rigid 3D printing Filament (ex PLA, PETG)
• 10 Spaghetti noddles (for the rods) (1.5mm)

3D Printing

• No support
• Orient the joints so that the X is on the bottom
• Print 1 x Base, 19 x joints with the pin, and 2 x without
• Set the seam setting to sharpest corner or manually paint them on the rounded off corners

Assembly

• First, cut down the spaghetti noodles to around 12cm. Make 10 of those
• Now place 3 joints with pins into each track on the outside and fasten them in place using the pre-cut spaghetti
• After that lay out the inner grid of joints (see picture) to form a 3 by 3 grid
• Once that is done slide the rest of the rods onto the joints and glue the rods in place only with the joints on the outside
• Finally lubricate the tracks for better performance