A study of complex system dynamics: Metronome synchronization

Abstract

This work investigates energy exchange within a complex vibrating system. The system is made up of a mass, called the primary oscillator, and a number of attached smaller structures, called the subordinate oscillator array. Specifically, a rectangular rigid foam base is the primary mass and mechanical metronomes are used as the subordinate oscillators. This work explores how the orientation and arrangement of the metronomes on the master structure affects the time it takes for metronome synchronization as well as the resulting amplitude of oscillation of the vibration of the primary mass. A MATLAB based image processing approach is used to measure these system parameter. [This work was supported by the Robert W. Young Award for Undergraduate Student Research.]