Double pendulum response with energy transfer

Abstract Dynamical response of a double pendulum is studied and reported in this manuscript. The double pendulum system was innovated with a limiter (stopper) on the first pendulum, such that the rotation of the first pendulum is limited. The special focus is kept on the oscillations and rotations of the second element of the pendulum system. A simplified point mass model of the double pendulum system with the amplitude limiter on the first element of the pendulum is reported with harmonic horizontal excitation. Finally, the energy transfer to a twist damper is considered to show the possibility of energy harvesting. For relatively low frequencies, the results indicate resonance of the pendulum motion induced by the impact. In the higher frequency limit, we observe a good performance in the initial phase of motion. However, it is changed after transient time leading to the synchronized motion of the two elements of the pendulum system with fairly small amplitudes. We claim that the advantage of such a nonlinear structure with impact is related to the amplitude amplification mechanism designed in the first element of the pendulum system.