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Mechanicshard

Variable-Damping Harmonic Oscillator Array

Design and construct a multi-stage mechanical oscillator system that exhibits a non-linear decay profile under varying damping coefficients. You must engineer a mechanism that allows for the real-time adjustment of energy dissipation rates without altering the fundamental frequency of the primary oscillating mass. The performance will be evaluated based on the precision of the achieved damping ratio compared to a predefined logarithmic decrement curve.

Materials: Spring steel wire, neodymium magnets, copper conductive tape, discarded plastic casings, viscous silicone oil, and an analog protractor.

Deadline: November 2, 2026
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Background: NASA/ESA Hubble