Pendulum Top

#### A Pendulum Top Design for Science Outreach Experiments

The basic pendulum design is one of the simplest scientific instruments around, becoming more complex as scientists strived for increasing accuracy.

For a small science outreach demonstration, I've designed the upper parts of a pendulum. This needs to be supplemented by the rod and bob, and comprises two parts, the Rocker and the Base.

##### Design Description

The oval-shaped Rocker balances on two points which either can be printed (see the Rocker_Alt design) or from two self-tapping screws with a nice sharp point on them through the two 2mm diameter holes. I suspect that the alternative design with printed plastic sharp points will degrade over time due to wear on the tips more than using self-tapping screws. Generally a sharp point is needed in order to reduce the frictional forces on the pendulum and increase its Q-factor. The central hole is intended to accept a M4 all-thread bar which can be made the right