The Cartesian diver is a nice toy and an intriguing physics instrument.1–6 Recently we reported an experimental study on the statics and dynamics of the Cartesian diver,7 using a specially designed apparatus that is much larger than the usual models. The Cartesian diver is an interesting example of the so-called “fold catastrophe,” the pressure being the control parameter,7 and this behavior is well observed in our apparatus.
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© 2003 American Association of Physics Teachers.
2003
American Association of Physics Teachers
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