Synthesis, Solid Modeling And Working Simulation Of Moon Phase Clock Mechanism

Abstract

This paper presents the method and kinematical principles by which the synthesis of the Moon phase clock mechanism can be accomplished. This mechanism computes the duration of the synodic month and displays the proper lunar phases with the systematic error less than thirteen seconds per year. Moreover, 3D solid model and working simulation of this mechanism are also described and disclosed in the paper. The method uses the best rational approximation to the speed ratio, based on the continued fraction finite expansion of the real number.