Experiment goal
This simulation illustrates deterministic chaos. A double pendulum follows simple, fully known physical laws, yet is extraordinarily sensitive to its starting point: the “butterfly effect.”
What this says about polycrisis
Knowing the laws is not enough to predict far ahead: the starting point would need to be known with infinite precision. For the systems we depend on, we cannot predict an exact trajectory; we can identify trends and monitor their current state. That is why diagnosis matters more than prophecy.
We want to be resilient. But resilient to what, and what are we trying to preserve?
This lab does not show crises spreading: the two pendulums are independent. Synchronisation is explored in the Metronomes.
How to use it
- Select “Same start”: B takes exactly the same position as A.
- Select “Nudge B (+ε)” to create a tiny difference.
- Watch the divergence in the Δpos(t) chart.
- Compare the “Regular motion” and “Small amplitude” presets: not every start is chaotic.
Note on complexity: The double pendulum shows how simple rules can generate complex behaviour, a core idea in the study of nonlinear systems. Presets are checked by a calculation harness (tools/bench-pendules.mjs).
