Do I need to install anything?

No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.

For K-12 Students · Strange Attractors

Strange Attractors for a water rocket

Built for k-12 students learning it in middle or high school. Watch the idea come alive with plain-language steps and everyday examples — perfect for projects and homework. Simulate a water rocket live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

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.

or unlock everything with Pro →

Also for:Students Researchers Educators Engineers Hobbyists & Makers First Responders General version →

More 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

Frequently asked questions

Is this good for k-12 students?: Yes — this version of "Strange Attractors for a water rocket" is framed for k-12 students learning it in middle or high school. Watch the idea come alive with plain-language steps and everyday examples — perfect for projects and homework.
Do I need to install anything?: No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.