Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Traditional charts of the nuclides convey proton number, neutron number, and one other property (e.g. half-life or decay mode). We describe the design and fabrication of a modular three-dimensional model of the nuclides that encodes five nuclear properties. Proton number and neutron number determine planar position, half-life is represented by column height using a quantile-logarithmic transformation, decay mode is represented by colour, and year of discovery is represented by the area of the top of the column. The model provides a tactile and visual representation of >3400 nuclides with the stable nuclides forming the spine of the model. The digital models were made by an iterative human-artificial intelligence (AI) co-design workflow in which generative AI helped translate educational objectives and geometric constraints into 3D printable stereolithography (STL) files. Feedback from visitors to the completed piece was uniformly positive when describing their interaction and learning experience. Complete datasets, STL files, and representative design prompts are provided to facilitate reproduction and adaptation for educational use.
Source: ChemRxiv
Institution: University of Victoria
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: University of Victoria
OpenAlex ID: W7223399668