An Exploration of Stopper Knots: Using Knot Theory to Examine Knot Strength
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Authors
Williams, Lauren D.
Issue Date
2008
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
Nine stopper knots were tied, tested for strength, ranked, and then analyzed. The
two strongest knots were the figure eight knot and Oysterman's stopper knot. The
weakest group of knots was comprised of the overhand (or trefoil), double overhand,
triple overhand (the septoil), and quadruple overhand (the nonoil) knots, which are all
part of a closely related series. So when asking "Is there a way to predict which knots
will be stronger than others based on the mathematical invariants associated with the
given knot?", I at least had a ranking of knots from strongest to weakest with which to
analyze the question. My material and educational limitations, however, prevented me
from creating a more precise ranking, and from analyzing in depth certain knot
invariants. But even within these limitations, I was able to find invariants that separated
the two strongest knots from the rest of the group. In this way, the knot invariants of
symmetry type and alternating or non-alternating rose to the forefront as possibilities for
strength predictors.
In a more practical realm, my experimental results are also useful in deciding
what stopper knots to use while sailing, hiking, climbing, etc. Because they are the
weakest knots of the tested group, the series of overhand knots is not a wise choice when
looking for a knot that won't easily slip. The Stevedore knot would be adequate,
however there are better knots out there, namely the figure eight and Oysterman's
stopper knots. While both of these knots showed extreme strength during testing,
Oysterman's stopper knot is significantly more complicated than the figure eight knot,
meaning that it takes more rope and more time to tie. This complexity would be a
problem in the middle of a storm, when it is key for a sailor to be able to tie a stopper
knot with speed and accuracy. This gives the strong yet simplistic figure eight knot the
advantage in everyday situations. There are now experimental results to back up what
sailors have known for years; the figure eight knot, 4 1, is the king of all stopper knots.
Description
vi, 37 p.
Citation
Publisher
Kalamazoo College
License
U.S. copyright laws protect this material. Commercial use or distribution of this material is not permitted without prior written permission of the copyright holder.