Physical Theory of Friction Knots
A simple mathematical theory of hitches has been proposed by Bayman and extended by Maddocks and Keller. It makes predictions that are approximately correct when tested empirically. No similarly successful theory has been developed for knots in general.
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Famous quotes containing the words physical, theory, friction and/or knots:
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—Epicurus (c. 341–271 B.C.)
“A theory if you hold it hard enough
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“We have got onto slippery ice where there is no friction and so in a certain sense the conditions are ideal, but also, just because of that, we are unable to walk. We want to walk so we need friction. Back to the rough ground!”
—Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951)
“Our sea-walled garden, the whole land,
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Her fruit-trees all unpruned, her hedges ruined,
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—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)