Enodo Electromechanics Cube

Background

Explore how mechanical properties such as tensile and compressive strength affect electrical performance by using sheet resistance measurements to reveal how deformation influences conductivity and device function. Additionally, correlate dimensions with conductivity to determine the unknown length of complex structures.

Educational Aims

This tool enables students to explore electrical conductivity using everyday materials such as pencils and a handheld multimeter. Students will measure the sheet resistance of pencil traces drawn on the cube, then apply upward and downward mechanical deformations to assess how these affect electrical properties. Additionally, they will measure the length of lines shaped like a "ʔ" symbol to investigate the relationship between resistance and geometry.

Designed for students aged 16–18, undergraduates, and educators, the cube provides a simple yet powerful way to design and conduct their own experiments. Through hands-on learning, users can deepen their understanding of fundamental electronics principles while building critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This approach fosters creativity and practical engagement in STEM education.

Why Electromechanics?

Electromechanical systems are at the heart of modern technology, combining electrical conductivity with mechanical behavior to power everything from sensors to smart devices. Understanding both electrical and mechanical properties is essential but can often feel complex and inaccessible to beginners. This experiment bridges that gap by offering a simple, affordable, and engaging way to explore the relationship between conductivity and deformation. Through hands-on activities, students gain insight into how materials respond electrically and mechanically, building a solid foundation for future learning in electronics, mechanics, and integrated STEM fields.

Electromechanical principles are behind technologies like wearable sensors, smart textiles, touchscreens, and robotics, where electrical performance changes with mechanical movement. By understanding how deformation affects conductivity, students gain insight into how real-world devices function and innovate.

Materials

1. A sheet of paper and a provided 1 cm × 1 cm × 1 cm cube serve as the base for the experiment

2. Two B-type pencils with different hardness levels. B-type pencils will be used as a source of graphite to 'draw' conductive films on the surface of the cube. B-type pencils have a high graphite content, ensuring good electrical conductivity.

3. A standard ruler will be used to measure the dimensions of the drawn intervals,

4. a handheld multimeter will measure the resistance of the graphite lines on the cube.

The Experiment

I. Identify the Pencil with Higher Conductivity

Draw two separate lines of equal length (e.g., 2 cm) on the paper substrate using each pencil.
Use a multimeter with an appropriate probe setup to measure the sheet resistance of each line.
Compare the resistance values to determine which pencil offers higher conductivity (i.e., lower sheet resistance).
Record and analyse the measurements, providing a justified explanation of your findings.

II. Drawing on the Front Face of the Cube

Insert the rectangular support bar inside the cube to prevent bending during drawing.
Using the pencil with higher conductivity, draw traces on the front face of the cube.
Ensure the lines are smooth, continuous, and layered. Aim for at least 10 overlapping pencil traces in the same direction (assume a trace thickness of ~10 µm).
Measure the conductivity of the drawn traces on the front face.
Remove the rectangular bar and gently bend the front face of the cube upward and downward. Use the multimeter to record the measurements.
Observe and document any changes in resistance values.
If variations occur, report them and provide a reasoned explanation.

III. Drawing on the Back Face of the Cube