Bec Brittain 2022

I was hired to research and test solutions to reduce the noise of some specialty lights inspired by NASA, that illuminated specially designed parachutes for a gallery show.

Images show Paraciphers in Emma Scully Gallery  October 11 – December 17, 2022. 


For this project, I had to immerse myself in fluid dynamics and noise abatement. After a lot of trial and error, I created a custom-designed 3D printed intake and exhaust geometry, housing for the electronics, and used a two-part Silicon foam cast for the internal airways inside the aluminum shell to absorb both vibrational and reflected noise. The silicon foam was very difficult to work with as it had a 90-second pot life. If I were to do it again, I believe Urethane foam would be far easier, cheaper, and likely similar in effect. Towards the end of the project, we were running into serious time constraints using her traditional fabricators to manufacture parts. We decided to get a 3D printer to be able to have more control over the subtle but significant changes in form with less time in shipping. I was further able to optimize the 3D printer, speeding up output 3-4x (a 24-hour print would be reduced to only 6-8 hours), allowing us to meet our deadlines for the gallery show. I continued after the project helping source and optimize the use of specialized filaments for the studio. 

"Born from my fascination with NASA’s wind tunnel testing of parachutes, Paraciphers take flight in the concept of structures that are brought to life by air, designed with function in mind. Taking cues from the movement of the inflated parachutes, these are collection of fluid forms that mimic the rhythm of flowers in the wind." -Bec Brittain

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