Wednesday 29 August 2018

harmonic oscillator - Metronome synchronisation applied to swings


The movement of several metronomes can be synchronised when a movable floor is utilised which couples the movement of the different metronomes.



Is it possible to apply this sort of synchronisation to several swings occupied by people (the ones you have on children playgrounds)?


I visualise this as several swings connected to a rigid platform that is free to move parallel to the ground. I assume that the length of each swing line ($L$) is the same and that the length of the swing line is the only factor that influences the swing period ($T$) according to:


$$T = 2 \cdot \pi \cdot \sqrt\frac{L}{g}$$


I understand that the metronome is driven by a wound spring and that this part is not present in a swing. People can move their c.o.g. back and forth during the swing, emulating the effect of the spring.


Can the principles present in the metronome sync be carried over to swing sync such that swings start swaying together after a certain amount of time?
Are my assumptions correct? Which additional assumptions do I need to make this work?




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