Project: “Double Pendulum”
Venue: Science Arcade, Ontario Science Centre
Location: Toronto, Canada
Date: Summer, 1990
Client: Ontario Science Centre
Contributors: Matthew Bates in the employ of OSC, OSC design and
fabrication (housing)

Client’s Requirements:
This exhibit is an example of a chaotic system where minor changes in motion produce very different end results. In this case the pattern produced after swinging the pendulum is wildly different every time.

Fulfillment:
There were two problems that needed solving in creating this exhibit. One was finding a bearing friction free enough to produce interesting results. The second was a safety issue. The outer pendulum had a vigorous snap motion during some stages of rotation which could severely injure someone who put their arm in the way. This safety issue was solved by using round Plexiglas disks to support the pendulum, no sharp edges or pinch points.

Interesting Features:
This is one of those exhibits that you can watch all day, like staring into a fire or finding pictures in the clouds.