11. Open Source Hardware¶
Research¶
In this assignment, I explored open source hardware principles through a material-based experimentation process.
Rather than designing a closed or optimized system, the focus of this work was on open documentation, reproducibility, and process transparency while experimenting with crystallization-based material behavior.
The assignment investigates how simple, accessible materials and tools can be used to explore temporary structural transformation, and how both successful and unsuccessful outcomes can contribute to shared knowledge within an open source learning environment.
Open Source Context¶
This work follows open source hardware values by:
- clearly documenting materials, tools, and ratios
- sharing experimental workflows openly
- including weak and unsuccessful results as part of the research
- prioritizing learning and iteration over final performance
The experiment was designed to be easily replicated using basic tools and materials, reinforcing accessibility as a core open source principle.
Tools & Materials¶
Materials¶
- Brown sugar
- Kaya tuzu (rafine edilmemiş)
- Water
- Cotton textile
Tools¶
- Glass containers
- Spoon
- Drying surface
- Thread (for hanging samples)
Process and Workflow¶
Preparation¶
Two crystallization solutions were prepared separately:
-
Brown sugar solution:
200 g brown sugar dissolved in 300 ml warm water -
Kaya tuzu solution:
200 g kaya tuzu (rafine edilmemiş) dissolved in 300 ml warm water
Cotton textile samples were fully immersed in each solution and then hung to dry, allowing crystallization to develop through evaporation.
Brown Sugar Crystallization (Unsuccessful)¶
During drying, the brown sugar solution produced only minimal crystal formation.
Even after extended drying:
- the surface remained sticky
- crystals did not develop clearly
- the textile failed to gain structural rigidity
This behavior suggests that molasses and impurities present in brown sugar inhibit effective crystallization, making it unsuitable for forming a temporary structural scaffold.
Kaya Tuzu Crystallization (Weak Result After 10 Days)¶
The kaya tuzu (rafine edilmemiş) solution showed visible crystal formation during drying; however, the overall structural effect remained limited.
After 10 days of development:
- crystals were present but sparse
- rigidity increased slightly but was insufficient
- the material could not fully support its own form
Although kaya tuzu crystallized more clearly than brown sugar, the resulting structure remained fragile and unstable, indicating that time alone was not enough to produce a strong temporary structure.
Observations¶
Comparing both materials revealed the following:
-
Brown sugar:
very weak crystallization, sticky surface, no structural support -
Kaya tuzu (10 days):
visible but sparse crystals, limited rigidity, fragile structure
In both cases, crystallization occurred locally rather than forming a continuous structural network across the material surface.
Results¶
Neither material produced a fully self-supporting structure under the tested conditions.
However, the experiments demonstrated that:
- crystallization can occur on fibrous substrates
- material composition strongly affects crystal growth
- extended time does not guarantee structural success
The kaya tuzu sample showed greater potential but would require modified experimental conditions to achieve a stronger result.
Reflection¶
This assignment highlights the value of openly documenting experimental processes, including weak and unsuccessful results.
By sharing material behavior, limitations, and failure modes, the work contributes to an open knowledge base rather than a closed outcome.
Future experiments could explore:
- refined crystallizing agents
- repeated saturation–drying cycles
- controlled temperature or humidity
In this context, failure became a learning tool within an open source hardware framework, rather than an endpoint.