Bernd Eggink

This little toy is based on the WigglyString applet by Michael Fairbank. The original applet simulates a freely swinging string attached to the mouse cursor. Actually it's an ingeniously simple approximation to a rather complex physical situation, a chain of N coupled pendulums (for the physical details see the link on Mike's homepage). Being fascinated by this program I delved into it and enhanced it a little. In doing so I discovered that the string could be freed from its attachment by a simple change. The amazing result: It developed a life of its own and started moving around in the window like a worm (whereupon I also provided it a head). This looks especially impressive if gravity is set to 0. Note that no random generator is involved, the movement is solely caused by the dynamics of this chaotic system itself.

The head of the worm can be dragged with the mouse, the tail can be prolonged or shortend, you can also nudge it with the window borders. Have fun!

To start the applet, click here: Activate Java!

If you are interested in the program source, drop Mike an e-mail (address on his homepage).