Physics

Metronomes in step

Five pendula exchange forces through a moving board. Each has a smooth self-sustaining escapement; mass, detuning and clamping change the measured phase coherence.

By Mykhailo Makarov

Actual application image

Try this

Click a metronome to disturb its rhythm. Unlock the board and allow time for synchronization.

Equations used in the module

Equations
(M + Σ m sin²θ) X" = Σ [m l sinθ θ'² + m g sinθ cosθ - m l cosθ f] - c X' - k X
θ" = -(g sinθ + X" cosθ)/l + f
f = μ (1 - θ²/A²) θ'
R = |Σ exp(i φ)| / N

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