Bifurcations in the dynamics of an orthogonal double pendulum

Abstract

The weakly nonlinear resonant response of an orthogonal double pendulum to planar harmonic motions of the point of suspension is investigated. The two pendulums in the double pendulum are confined to two orthogonal planes. For nearly equal length of the two pendulums, the system exhibits 1:1 internal resonance. The method of averaging is used to derive a set of four first order autonomous differential equations in the amplitude and phase variables. Constant solutions of the amplitude and phase equations are studied as a function of physical parameters of interest using the local bifurcation theory. It is shown that, for excitation restricted in either plane, there may be as many as six pitchfork bifurcation points at which the nonplanar solutions bifurcate from the planar solutions. These nonplanar motions can become unstable by a saddle-node or a Hopf bifurcation, giving rise to a new branch of constant solutions or limit cycle solutions, respectively. The dynamics of the amplitude equations in parameter regions of the Hopf bifurcations is then explored using direct numerical integration. The results indicate a complicated amplitude dynamics including multiple limit cycle solutions, period-doubling route to chaos, and sudden disappearance of chaotic attractors.