Abstract
The Trevelyan Rocker is a 19th century experiment that provides insight into the thermodynamic properties of various metals, alloys and organic materials. The experiment consists of several components, the rocker which is (normally) a prism shaped object, and a base where the rocker is rested on at some angle. The rocker is heated and placed on the base which begins the experiment. This interaction results in micro deformities on the surface of the base which causes the rocker to oscillate back and forth at a high frequency. For the experiments in the upcoming chapters we examen how different materials interact with each other, i.e., looking at if the combination can sustain an oscillation. Many lists and tables of material combinations have been created, which throughout this thesis are added to and explored. The main thermodynamic properties that are taken into consideration is the thermal conductance and linear expansion coefficients. Looking at these can indicate if the material has potential to be a good base or rocker. While most of the research done on the Trevelyan Rocker is derived from material science work, some of it investigates how to analyze and categorize the oscillation that is created. In the early 20th century the Gravity Theory was developed to describe the relationship between the amplitude and frequency of the rocker. For the following experiments, we test many different materials while using various analysis methods. Over the course of these trials we were able to see sustained oscillation from many different rocker and base materials. The purpose of these experiments was not to find the materials that work the ‘best’ but more exploration of this generally untouched phenomenon. This study aims to create a foundation of ideas and results so in the future someone can use this as a starting point in their own investigations.
Advisor
Manz, Niklas
Department
Physics
Recommended Citation
Ursillo, Sutton A., "A Materials Science Perspective on the Trevelyan Rocker" (2026). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 13152.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/13152
Disciplines
Computer-Aided Engineering and Design | Engineering Mechanics | Mechanics of Materials
Publication Date
2026
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2026 Sutton A. Ursillo