Further understanding of Huygens' coupled clocks : the effect of stiffness

J. Pena Ramirez, K. Aihara, R.H.B. Fey, H. Nijmeijer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)
9 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

A simplified model of the classical Huygens' experiment on synchronization of pendulum clocks is examined. The model consists of two pendula coupled by an elastically supported rigid bar. The synchronized limit behaviour of the system, i.e. in-phase and anti-phase synchronization of the pendula, is studied as a function of the stiffness of the spring that supports the coupling bar. It is demonstrated that the stiffness has a large influence on the existence, stability, and oscillation frequency of the in-phase solution. The relationship between the obtained results and experimental results that have been reported in the literature, including Huygens' original observations, is stressed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)11-19
Number of pages9
JournalPhysica D: Nonlinear Phenomena
Volume270
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Further understanding of Huygens' coupled clocks : the effect of stiffness'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this