Numerical and experimental study of a double physical pendulum with magnetic interaction

Chaotic and regular behavior of the system consisting of a double physical pendulum with two repulsive permanent magnets is studied. We are focused on mathematical modelling, numerical simulations, experimental measurements and in particular on a novel magnetic interaction modelling. System parameters are identified by matching the output signals from experiments and numerical solutions to the developed mathematical model governed by a strongly non-linear set of two second order ODEs including the friction and the magnetic interaction torques. Considered system shows chaotic and periodic dynamics. Few chaotic zones have been detected numerically and confirmed experimentally. Scenarios of transition from regular to chaotic motion and vice versa, as well as the bifurcation diagrams are illustrated and discussed. Good agreement between the numerical simulation and experimental measurement is achieved.