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This reminded me of this TED talk:

http://www.ted.com/talks/john_graham_cumming_the_greatest_ma...

Does anybody know about software for simulation of this kind of mechanical devices? Is it even possible, for example to simulate all parts of mechanical clock? Add 3D printing to that and ... :-)

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Most Computer Aided Design suites integrate mechanical simulation too. They can compute loads, stresses and so forth too. They even simulate gases and liquids etc, so they can 'run' combustion engines and so on virtually.

There are some really neat videos on the Autodesk and Solidworks websites, and doubtless there are other CAD suites doing this too.

If you are in the mood for video (though not necessarily on this topic) Prof. Simon Schaffer's documentaries are invariably very interesting:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2406693/

Absolute Zero and Light Fantastic stick out in my mind as particularly good.

Thank for the link, will check it out.

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