The Elastic Pendulum - Experimental Monitoring, Numerical Simulation, and Comparative Analysis

• Grant number: 24/21697-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - General Physics
• Principal Investigator: Florian Steffen Günther
• Grantee: Rafael Salandin Moraes
• Host Institution: Instituto de Geociências e Ciências Exatas (IGCE). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Rio Claro. Rio Claro , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Oscillatory motion is a fundamental phenomenon present in various systems, from everyday occurrences to molecular interactions, playing a crucial role in understanding natural laws. Most systems with non-parabolic potential, however, possess rather complex dynamics making them fascinating topics to study. This already applies when a mass is hung on a spring such that the compressing-expansion movement of the spring is coupled to the pendulum motion. The here outlined project of scientific initiation aim at investigating the elastic pendulum beyond the commonly applied harmonic approximation. The objectives include constructing a monitoring station and, implementing computational tools for real-time tracking and analysis to record the motion of the elastic pendulum with sufficient precision to record non-linear dynamics, and validating experimental results against theoretical predictions derived from Hamiltonian mechanics. The project also aims to provide practical experience in designing experiments, automating data acquisition, and analyzing complex systems, fostering skills essential for scientific research. Additionally, it supports the development of scientific writing, presentation, and linguistic abilities, preparing the participant for advanced academic and professional challenges. Beyond individual development, the project contributes to the host department by expanding its experimental portfolio, creating valuable teaching resources, and enhancing outreach efforts. The integration of modern computational tools and experimental techniques ensures a comprehensive approach to understanding oscillatory systems, offering insights with wide-ranging applications in physics and engineering.