Natural Patterns: Animations
Torus
A punctured torus in motion illustrates Tai Chi's ability to melt away from incoming energy.
A stereographic projection of a Clifford Torus in four dimensions performing a simple rotation through the x-z plane.
Spiral
An Archimedes' Screw can use circular motion to propel an object along the axis of rotation, either forward or backward.
A scroll compressor is used to compress gases.
Curve
Three forms of Watt's Curve
Watt's Linkage shows how linear force can be generated and dissipated by an S-curve.
The Trammel of Archimedes, also called the Kentucky Do-Nothing, perfectly illustrates how two linked linear forces can produce not only an ellipsis but can be used to fling an object to some distance or pull it inward.