Chaotic Motion of a Double Pendulum
A double pendulum is a device consisting of a pendulum attached to the end of another pendulum. The motion of a double pendulum can be chaotic. It is easy to make a demonstration, as indicated in a short video clip.
The human leg is a most amazing, powered, double pendulum, with an offset pivot at the hip and an utterly ingenious locking hinge at the knee. Although not usually chaotic, its dynamic behaviour is a very important part of its effective use in walking or running.
Video Demonstration
You can play the video by clicking on the image above. You can also download it as a file by right-clicking on the icon below and selecting 'save'.
Windows media audio/video file, duration 2 min 13 sec, 384 × 255 pixels, 7.05 MB. Video by Jim McGovern.
© Jim McGovern 2006
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