Forced Nonlinear Pendulum
This interactive simulator explores Forced Nonlinear Pendulum in Waves & Sound. θ¨+γθ˙+(g/L)sinθ=A cosωt; phase plot; vs Double Pendulum 2-DOF. Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.
Who it's for: For learners comfortable with heavier math or second-level detail. Typical context: Waves & Sound.
Key terms
- forced
- nonlinear
- pendulum
- forced nonlinear pendulum
- waves
- sound
Live graphs
How it works
The planar pendulum with linear damping and harmonic driving obeys **θ¨ + γθ˙ + (g/L) sin θ = A cos(ωt)**. Small angles approximate sin θ ≈ θ (linear forced oscillator). Large angles and strong forcing produce **nonlinear** and often **sensitive** trajectories. **Double Pendulum** in Mechanics couples two rods; here a **single** bob is driven — same idea of nonlinearity, different dimension.
Key equations
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