Pendulum Towing a Rolling Disk
Pendulum Towing a Rolling Disk
This Demonstration simulates the motion of a double pendulum with a rolling disk attached to the end of its lower rod. The disk is free to roll without friction over a horizontal plane.
Lagrangian mechanics are used to determine the equations of motion. You can change the geometrical parameters using the sliders.
A phase curve gives an overview of the state of the system. A horizontal energy gauge shows the total energy of the system, which remains constant while the potential and kinetic energies change in opposite directions.