How do I simulate a spinning top?

Open this page and use the live Strange Attractors tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.

Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.

Can I use my own numbers?

Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a spinning top from your own measurements.

Use case · powered by Strange Attractors

Strange Attractors for a spinning top

Simulate a spinning top live in your browser. This runs the real Strange Attractors solver — adjust the inputs, watch it respond instantly, and export the result. No install, no account.

For:Students Researchers Educators Engineers Hobbyists & Makers K-12 Students First Responders

Strange Attractor GalleryLive

3D chaos · drag to orbit

Controls

Five famous strange attractors in 3D. Tune the Lorenz constants, then drag to orbit around the chaos.

Presets

σ (sigma)

ρ (rho)

β (beta)

Integration points

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

AttractorLorenz

Points19,799

ρ (rho)28

TypeStrange / chaotic

Governing equation

\overset{x}{˙} \overset{y}{˙} \overset{z}{˙} = σ (y - x) = 10 (y - x) = x (ρ - z) - y = x (28 - z) - y = x y - β z = x y - 2.667 z

Reading this result: Classic Lorenz (ρ=28, σ=10): the trajectory orbits two lobes forever without ever repeating. Sensitive dependence on initial conditions means the tiniest nudge changes everything — the butterfly effect.

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

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About this simulation

The full Strange Attractors tool models a spinning top with the same numerics engineers and scientists use — running entirely client-side. Change any parameter and the result updates in real time, so you can build intuition, check a design, or teach the concept without spreadsheets or installs.

More you can do with Strange Attractors

Strange Attractors for a projectile from a cannon Strange Attractors for a bouncing ball Strange Attractors for a pendulum clock Strange Attractors for a car braking Strange Attractors for a roller-coaster loop Strange Attractors for a satellite orbit Strange Attractors for a mass on a spring Strange Attractors for a skydiver's free fall

Other ways to simulate a spinning top

Particle / N-Body for a spinning top Heat & Wave Fields for a spinning top GPU Compute (WebGPU) for a spinning top WebGPU Fluid for a spinning top GPU N-Body for a spinning top GPU PDE Solver for a spinning top

Frequently asked questions

How do I simulate a spinning top?: Open this page and use the live Strange Attractors tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.
Is it free?: Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.
Can I use my own numbers?: Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a spinning top from your own measurements.