Pendulum of Fire by Joe Bard and Danya Parkinson The graceful movement, simplicity and wide range of motion of a pendulum made it an ideal choice for experimentation. The pendulum was constructed from a framework of rolled tubular steel, copper and brass. Electric solenoid valves dispense the propane, and ball bearing pivots give the structure silky action. The Pendulum of Fire is suspended from a copper-tube umbilical cord that both provided support and sent propane to the solenoid discharge valves. Each solenoid valve had a pilot light at the end. The activation of each solenoid thus created an instant flaming jet effect, propelling the pendulum in the direction opposite that of its discharge. The four jets were oriented in a north-south, east-west configuration, allowing for directional control of the pendulum. The "pilot" uses four buttons to actuate the jets and drive the 20-ft-high pendulum, swinging it in whichever direction feels right.
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Pendulum of Fire by Joe Bard and Danya Parkinson

Photo by: Bucky

Year: 2004

Image Caption: 

Pendulum of Fire by Joe Bard and Danya Parkinson The graceful movement, simplicity and wide range of motion of a pendulum made it an ideal choice for experimentation. The pendulum was constructed from a framework of rolled tubular steel, copper and brass. Electric solenoid valves dispense the propane, and ball bearing pivots give the structure silky action. The Pendulum of Fire is suspended from a copper-tube umbilical cord that both provided support and sent propane to the solenoid discharge valves. Each solenoid valve had a pilot light at the end. The activation of each solenoid thus created an instant flaming jet effect, propelling the pendulum in the direction opposite that of its discharge. The four jets were oriented in a north-south, east-west configuration, allowing for directional control of the pendulum. The "pilot" uses four buttons to actuate the jets and drive the 20-ft-high pendulum, swinging it in whichever direction feels right.

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