Huygens’ Synchronization: Experiments, Modeling, and Local Stability Analysis

The synchronization of two metronomes on a freely moving platform is examined. Existence and local stability of the synchronized solutions is studied when the platform parameters are subject to change, i.e., a numerical continuation and bifurcation software tool is used to reveal local stability of the in- and/or anti-phase synchronized state as function of system parameters. It is demonstrated that the platform parameter values have a significant influence on the stability of the anti-phase synchronized solution.