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Innovation: Spring chaos

Saturday 12 February 1994 19:02 EST
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THE UK Spring Research Manufacturing Association is turning to chaos theory to make its springs more reliable. One of the big problems with springs is that even with strict quality control the gaps between coils frequently vary in size.

Professor Ian Stewart of the University of Warwick, a mathematician, believes that he can use chaos theory to find patterns in the thickness of wire used in springs. He will then devise a model for manufacturers to improve quality control.

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