Introduction to Non-Linear Dynamics and Chaos

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Want to make your own spinner chain? Checkout my template file!

There's a lot of Chain files on MakerWorld, but I like this one.

Updated 1/12! 

Update 1/12: Based on some feedback from famed mechanical engineer and restaurateur Sweets Laurino I have added the Slide into Chaos. The slide allows for better control run-to-run which further exemplifies the initial conditions concept. Thanks Sweets! 

This model is an ode to my friend, mentor, and professor Dr. Karl Saunders. He introduced me to the topic of non-linear dynamics and chaos early on in my college career and later I took his course on the subject. The course is designed around this book written by Dr. Steven Strogatz. Dr. Strogatz also put his entire lecture series online for anyone to view. In the first episode, he introduces several basic experiments and ideas to give some background on non-linear dynamics and chaos. One experiment is a machined part meant to represent a set of four gravity wells. A steel ball is released somewhere on the surface, and rolls around until it finds rest. The experiment is meant to demonstrate the vast impact initial conditions can impart on final results; a core concept in non-linear dynamics. 

With that in mind, I designed a simple version of the same concept, bringing the ability to understand this basic concept to anyone with a 3D printer. Additionally, a QR code in the corner links to the first course in Dr. Strogatz' series, time stamped to the explanation of this specific gravity well experiment. My hope is that the model will encourage others to explore non-linear dynamics, chaos, and mathematics in general. 

I also attempted to ensure the piece is visually appealing, such that enthusiasts would be encouraged to showcase it in their homes or offices and maybe spark a conversation on the topic, or at least just have a brief moment of joy watching a steel ball roll around for a few seconds. A small indentation holds the ball for just such an occasion.