From Mark Pauline: “Testing the predator arm at higher pressures. Shown here running at 350 PSI. Smacks the enclosure pretty good. I’m thinking 900 psi for max pressure.” And “Here’s a shot from the other side at 240 frame per second slow motion. Same chamber pressure of 350 psi. You can see the forearm compressing to absorb some of the shock as well as the movement of the spring loaded Lexan sheet.”
Here’s a shot from the other side at 240 frame per second slow motion. Same chamber pressure of 350 psi. You can see the forearm compressing to absorb some of the shock as well as the movement of the spring loaded Lexan sheet.
From Mark Pauline: Testing the screw machine. Hasn’t been started for 15 years! Works perfectly with the new radio control. Still on the rolling stand probably have to move it somewhere else to test as it tends to destroy the tarmac when it runs. Next well have to Repair the throwing robot that mounts on the front and reconnect the hydraulic system
This image re-surfaced from RU Sirius (Mondo 2000). Thanks for the heads up David Pescovitz. The original event took place at City Lights in SF on February 24 2005 (17 years ago!). Mark Pauline, RU Sirius, David Pescovitz, SM Gray, Joe Donohoe, and SRL crew members Karen Marcelo and Eric Paulos read excerpts from JG Ballard’s Quotes published by V Vale of RE/Search.
The latest machine in progress. Spike Ball – there’s no official name for this spike ball puncher machine yet but Mark is gonna put it on a base with unidirectional wheels (see 2nd image). The metal used is this special alloy 15-5 which is super strong and will not shatter even with high pressure. Props may shatter but not the machine #survivalreseaechlabs#srl
Mark Pauline made two of the high-pressure gas launcher cylinders one is being used for the predator arm another just for fun with a big spike head on the end. The spikes are made from 15-5 Stainless which is around 260 K tensile strength once heat treated. This is a new attachment that will be mounted on a mobile machine for a smashing stuff. Running at 900 psi gas pressure it will generate 7300 pounds of thrust. A few kilojoules of energy at least! You can never release too much energy in too short of a period of time. #survivalresearchlabs#srl
Survival Research Laboratories was conceived of and founded by Mark Pauline in November 1978. Since its inception SRL has operated as an organization of creative technicians dedicated to re-directing the techniques, tools, and tenets of industry, science, and the military away from their typical manifestations in practicality, product or warfare. Since 1979, SRL has staged over 45 mechanized presentations in the United States and Europe. Each performance consists of a unique set of ritualized interactions between machines, robots, and special effects devices, employed in developing themes of socio-political satire. Humans are present only as audience or operators.