Not in place of the tried and true, but a way to understand why those knots work best: A Knotty Problem Solved
Color changing fibers help analysis of knot strength
- Thread starter ObiQuiet
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Here's the scientific article, which provides more detail:
Topological mechanics of knots and tangles | Science
science.sciencemag.org
I listened to a segment on NPR yesterday about this very subject. Thanks for the visuals. Is quite interesting if you're a knot nerd.
A new mathematical model predicts a knot's stability
In sailing, rock climbing, construction, and any activity requiring the securing of ropes, certain knots are known to be stronger than others. Any seasoned sailor knows, for instance, that one type of knot will secure a sheet to a headsail, while another is better for hitching a boat to a piling.