Dynamics of pendulums in skyscrapers

Interactive simulation of the coupled dynamics of a building subjected to earthquakes and a damped pendulum, allowing users to explore resonance, displacements, vectors, and vibration damping.

The model reproduces the principle of a tuned mass damper, used in real skyscrapers such as Taipei 101: when the pendulum's natural frequency is close to that of the building, it oscillates out of phase during an earthquake or strong wind, dissipating energy and reducing the structure's vibration amplitude.

Marco P. M. de Souza