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Types of Two-Dimensional Pendulums and Their Uses in Education

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The Pendulum

Abstract.

Pendulums which swing in two dimensions simultaneously and are designed to leave a record of their motion are termed ‘harmonographs’. The curves which they draw are known, alternatively, as ‘Bowditch curves’ or ‘Lissajous curves’. A variety of designs of harmonographs have been invented over the years. These may be a ‘Y-suspended’ ‘simple’ pendulum, or they may be a complex ‘physical’ pendulum system. Harmonographs have been built as demonstration apparatus in physics (or mathematics) or as ‘art’ machines for enjoying the aesthetics of the curves produced.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, 65804, USA

    Robert J. Whitaker

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  1. Robert J. Whitaker
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

    Michael R. Matthews  & Colin F. Gauld  & 

  2. University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada

    Arthur Stinner

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Whitaker, R.J. (2005). Types of Two-Dimensional Pendulums and Their Uses in Education. In: Matthews, M.R., Gauld, C.F., Stinner, A. (eds) The Pendulum. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/1-4020-3526-8_24

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