The Perpetual Motion Sculpture

This is the sculpture that employs kinetic and electromagnetic energy to provide the illusion of perpetual motion. Simulating the principle of a first-class lever, two 1/2"-diameter aluminum rods pivot effortlessly around their respective fulcrums. A longer 9 1/2" rod pivots around the apex of the sculpture's support bars while a shorter 7 1/4" rod pivots around a fulcrum located at the end of the longer rod. Both bars' fulcrums are offset from center to create the perception that the longer halves have been precisely balanced to generate just the right amount of momentum to keep the bars swinging. However, its fluid, silent movement is augmented by four AA batteries that power a tiny efficient electronic housed in the base that generates an electromagnetic impulse that accelerates the magnetic end of the longer bar for up to three months of uninterrupted movement. When both bars are held vertically, the sculpture comes to rest; holding the bars horizontally and releasing begins its movement again. Individually hand-built and calibrated by an electrical engineer. 10 1/2" L x 3 1/2" W x 17" H. (1 1/2 lbs.)