We have experimentally demonstrated dissipative coupling in a double pendulum system through observation, which shows three distinctly different patterns of motion over the accessible parameter space. The described dissipative coupling apparatus is easy to manufacture and budget-friendly. The theoretical calculations are also suitable for the undergraduate level. Our experiment can serve as a novel demonstration for ubiquitous dynamic coupling effects encountered in many disparate physical systems. Unlike the well-known spring-coupled pendulums, our experiment employs Lenz's effect to couple the pendulums through electromagnetic damping, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been demonstrated in the classroom. Our pendulums exhibit level attraction behaviour between two modes, induced by the dissipative coupling. This stands in contrast to the traditionally taught concept of level repulsion (avoided crossing) with spring-coupled pendulums. This experiment showcases distinctly different time domain dynamics of the dissipatively coupled pendulums over the parameter space, characterized by different oscillation patterns, damping rates, and relative phase between the two pendulums, which is a valuable lesson elucidating the dynamics of synchronization in linear systems for undergraduate students.
Skip Nav Destination
An experimental demonstration of level attraction with coupled pendulums
,
,
,
,
,
Article navigation
August 2023
PAPERS|
August 01 2023
An experimental demonstration of level attraction with coupled pendulums
Chenyang Lu;
Chenyang Lu
a)
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
, Canada
R3T 2N2
Search for other works by this author on:
Bentley Turner;
Bentley Turner
b)
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
, Canada
R3T 2N2
Search for other works by this author on:
Yongsheng Gui;
Yongsheng Gui
c)
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
, Canada
R3T 2N2
Search for other works by this author on:
Jacob Burgess;
Jacob Burgess
d)
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
, Canada
R3T 2N2
Search for other works by this author on:
Jiang Xiao;
Jiang Xiao
e)
Department of Physics and State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, Fudan University
, Shanghai 200433, China
Search for other works by this author on:
Can-Ming Hu
Can-Ming Hu
f)
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
, Canada
R3T 2N2
Search for other works by this author on:
Chenyang Lu
a)
Bentley Turner
b)
Yongsheng Gui
c)
Jacob Burgess
d)
Jiang Xiao
e)
Can-Ming Hu
f)
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba
, Canada
R3T 2N2Am. J. Phys. 91, 585–594 (2023)
Article history
Received:
December 10 2021
Accepted:
June 19 2023
Citation
Chenyang Lu, Bentley Turner, Yongsheng Gui, Jacob Burgess, Jiang Xiao, Can-Ming Hu; An experimental demonstration of level attraction with coupled pendulums. Am. J. Phys. 1 August 2023; 91 (8): 585–594. https://doi.org/10.1119/5.0081906
Download citation file:
Pay-Per-View Access
$40.00
Sign In
You could not be signed in. Please check your credentials and make sure you have an active account and try again.
Citing articles via
All objects and some questions
Charles H. Lineweaver, Vihan M. Patel
Ergodic Lagrangian dynamics in a superhero universe
I. L. Tregillis, George R. R. Martin
Interplay between Airy and Coriolis precessions in a real Foucault pendulum
N. N. Salva, H. R. Salva
Solving introductory physics problems recursively using iterated maps
L. Q. English, D. P. Jackson, et al.
A simple derivation of relativistic energy and momentum
Ajoy Ghatak, Beth Parks
Related Content
Image-charge effects on an electrostatic pendulum in mechanical equilibrium
Am. J. Phys. (March 2020)
Using the Scroll Wheel on a Wireless Mouse as a Motion Sensor
Phys. Teach. (December 2010)
Analysis of the linearity of half periods of the Lorentz pendulum
Am. J. Phys. (May 2005)
Demonstrations with a magnetically controlled pendulum
Am. J. Phys. (May 2010)
Shear Modulus Determination Using the Smartphone in a Torsion Pendulum
Phys. Teach. (April 2021)