Double Pendulum Chaos

Simulate chaotic physics.

📜 The Origins

A classic example of a simple system with complex, non-linear behavior. Even a tiny change in the starting angle leads to a completely different path—this is the heart of Chaos Theory.

🚀 Master the Tool

Drag the pendulums to set their starting positions and hit 'Release'. Watch the hypnotic, unpredictable patterns emerge as the system fights against gravity.

Chaotic Double Pendulum
A physical demonstration of chaos theory. Small changes, big consequences.
Tail Length100
Mass 1 (Blue)10kg
Mass 2 (Purple)10kg

The Embodiment of Chaos

A single pendulum is boring. It swings back and forth, forever predictable. You can set your watch by it. Attach a second pendulum to the bottom of the first, and you break reality.

Why Is It Unpredictable?

The system is governed by regular Newtonian physics ($F=ma$), but it is highly sensitive. If you release the pendulum from an angle of $90.00°$, it traces one path. If you release it from $90.01°$, it traces a path that looks identical for about 5 seconds... and then wildly diverges.

This is the physical demonstration of the "Butterfly Effect." You cannot measure the starting position accurately enough to predict the position 2 minutes from now. The error margin explodes exponentially.

Energy Transfer

Watch how the "elbow" joint locks in place while the "arm" spins wildly, then suddenly the arm stops and the elbow flails. The energy transfers kinetically between the two limbs in a hypnotic dance.

Pro Tips

01Try starting with both arms horizontal for maximum chaos.
02Notice how the path never repeats itself.
03The 'Butterfly Effect' is naming this very phenomenon.

The Fine Print (FAQ)