Dissecting a cut
This post provides an in-depth analysis of a cutting motion, giving details about the trajectory of the sword and the power generation mechanisms involved.
Review: Analysis of the Vibrational Characteristics of a Training Longsword
This is a review of another article which discusses sword vibrations.
Sword Measurement Protocol
In this post I share a detailed measurement protocol for swords and a measuring sheet that are intended to facilitate the collection of new data.
Minimum effort, maximum efficiency
In this article, I discuss the widespread principle ‘minimum effort, maximum efficiency’ and how it should be handled with care…
Modelling impacts and damage
This article is an attempt at the physical modellisation of weapon impact – blunt, cutting or thrusting. It explores how damage, represented as depth of penetration, depends on various properties of the target and weapon, and how difficult it can be to predict damage.
Simulating Sword Properties
Over the years the topic of the simulation of the properties of swords has come up a number of times. This article describes a contribution I have made on this subject, and gives access to the code!
Measuring swords as pendulums
This article describes a pendulum setup that can be used to measure swords’ moments of inertia with more accuracy and precision than with the waggle test. The device used is designed to be portable and easy to build for anyone.
The Sword – Form & Thought
This post is a review of the exhibition and catalogue ‘The Sword: Form & Thought’. I have contributed a small part to both, working with Peter Johnsson on the computation and display of dynamic properties from his detailed documentation. The exhibition makes a beautiful display of various types of swords, and the catalogue contains a wealth of data and knowledge about the function and design of antique swords. Both highly recommended!
On Silver’s times
George Silver is the famous author of an early printed work on fencing and martial arts in English, Paradoxes of Defence (1599). He is often quoted for having layed out universal principles in the form of his hierarchy of true and false times. Sadly, the most common interpretation of these does not fit the whole text. This post provides the necessary quotes to understand the causes and key properties of true and false times, which are in my opinion more interesting and less open to interpretation than the hierarchy itself.
Représentation graphique de la distribution de masse
Ceci est une version française de cet article, suite à des demandes de lecteurs intéressés ! Il traite d’une nouvelle façon de représenter la distribution de masse des épées, à la fois intuitive, visuelle et objective.