For First Responders · Magnetic Pendulum
Magnetic Pendulum for a trebuchet launch
Built for first responders planning or training for real incidents. Run fast what-if scenarios for response planning and training — no software to install in the field. Simulate a trebuchet launch live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.
Magnetic PendulumLive
chaotic attraction · fractal basins
Controls
A pendulum bob is pulled toward three magnets. Which one it lands on depends so sensitively on the start that the basins of attraction form a fractal. Drag a magnet to move it, or click empty space to drop the bob there.
Presets
Data Inspector
Magnets3
Damping0.5% / step
Magnet strength0.60
Basinsfractal
Governing equation
Reading this result: Which magnet the bob settles on depends with extreme sensitivity on where it starts: neighboring drop points can end at different magnets, carving fractal basins of attraction. At friction 0.995 it settles at a moderate pace. Magnet strength 0.6 balances against the central spring.
Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is this good for first responders?
- Yes — this version of "Magnetic Pendulum for a trebuchet launch" is framed for first responders planning or training for real incidents. Run fast what-if scenarios for response planning and training — no software to install in the field.
- Do I need to install anything?
- No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.