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For Engineers · Pendulum Lab

Pendulum Lab for a tightrope walk

Built for engineers using it for real design work. Go from concept to a running model in the browser, then scale to the cloud when needed. Simulate a tightrope walk live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.

1

Double Pendulum

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Double Pendulum StudioLive

Controls

Tiny changes in the start explode into totally different motion — deterministic chaos. Drag either bob to set a new starting position; it pauses playback automatically.

Presets

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

IntegratorRK4
SystemChaotic
DOF2
Lower bob mass10
Gravity g9.8

Governing equation

Reading this result: Starting both arms at 90° (π/2) with lower-bob mass 10 and g 9.8 puts the pendulum firmly in its chaotic regime. Unlike a small-angle swing, which would be near-periodic, here trajectories that differ by 0.02 rad diverge exponentially — a positive Lyapunov exponent.

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

2

Standing Waves

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Standing Waves on a StringLive

Controls

A string fixed at both ends can only vibrate at its harmonics. Each mode n has n+1 nodes (pink) that stay still while the antinodes swing — the physics of every stringed instrument.

Presets

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Harmonicn = 3
Frequency330 Hz
Nodes4
Antinodes3
Wavelength2L/3

Governing equation

Reading this result: 3 half-wavelengths fit the string, so there are 3 antinodes (max swing) and 4 nodes (fixed points). At harmonic n = 3 the string sings at 330 Hz — exactly 3× the 110 Hz fundamental, and the wavelength is 2L/3.

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 engineers?
Yes — this version of "Pendulum Lab for a tightrope walk" is framed for engineers using it for real design work. Go from concept to a running model in the browser, then scale to the cloud when needed.
Do I need to install anything?
No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.