A bouncing ball on a sinusoidally vibrating table is an example of a chaotic system. In such a system, the motion of the ball is altered by a series of deflections as well as the other forces, such as gravity.
The study of the dynamics of a bouncing ball on a sinusoidally vibrating table is a useful teaching example about the behavior of chaotic systems. In addition to its pedagogical value, the system is also of practical interest in several engineering applications, as well as in basic research.
Famous quotes containing the words ball and/or dynamics:
“I never knew anyone yet who got up at six who did anything more useful between that time and breakfast than banging a tennis ball up against the side of the house, waiting for the more civilized members of the party to get up.”
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