Despite their apparent simplicity, the behaviour of pendulums can be
remarkably complicated. Historically, pendulums for specific purposes
have been developed using a combination of simplified theory and trial
and error. There do not appear to be any introductory books on
pendulums, written at an intermediate level, and covering a wide range
of topics. This book aims to fill the gap. It is written for readers
with some background in elementary geometry, algebra, trigonometry and
calculus. Historical information, where available and useful for the
understanding of various types of pendulum and their applications, is
included.
Perhaps the best known use of pendulums is as the basis of clocks in
which a pendulum controls the rate at which the clock runs. Interest in
theoretical and practical aspects of pendulums, as applied to clocks,
goes back more than four centuries. The concept of simple pendulums,
which are idealised versions of real pendulums is introduced. The
application of pendulums to clocks is described, with detailed
discussion of the effect of inevitable differences between real
pendulums and simple pendulums. In a clock, the objective is to ensure
that the pendulum controls the timekeeping. However, pendulums are
sometimes driven, and how this affects their behaviour is described.
Pendulums are sometimes used for occult purposes. It is possible to
explain some apparently occult results by using modern pendulum theory.
For example, why a ring suspended inside a wine glass, by a thread from
a finger, eventually strikes the glass. Pendulums have a wide range of
uses in scientific instruments, engineering, and entertainment. Some
examples are given as case studies.
Indexed in the Book Citation Index- Science (BKCI-S)
