Mechanics equilibrium in Tai-chi diagram

Abstract

Tai chi culture has a widespread influence on the world. Tai-chi diagrams, as the symbol of Tai chi culture, express the balance between Yin and Yang through the centrosymmetric pattern, but the balance connotation of Tai-chi diagrams needs a comprehensive understanding in more aspects, e.g., the balance in mechanics. In this work, we propose a mechanics theory to investigate the intrinsic mechanism of Yin–Yang equilibrium in ancient and modern Tai-chi diagrams. The model based on the minimum potential energy theory can effectively describe the interface curves of the Yin–Yang equilibrium by modifying boundary conditions, which is proven by experiments. The results show that the balance of Tai-chi diagrams is not only manifested in its symmetrical appearance but also reflected in its intrinsic balance configuration in mechanics. The model presented herein provides a new perspective to understand the balance of Tai-chi diagrams, which may provide useful insights into the applications of Tai-chi diagrams.