NUMERICAL SIMULATION BASED ON VPYTHON AND VISUAL ANALYSIS SOFTWARE: A CASE STUDY OF ‘PENDULUM’

In this paper, the self-developed two-dimensional motion visual analysis software is used to observe the running process of the object instead of the human eye and output the running results. Numerical simulation is carried out by using Vpython. The classical “single pendulum” and “spherical pendulum” experiments are firstly investigated by using the two-dimensional motion visual analysis software. Then, the “double spherical pendulum” experimentis investigated. Based on the differential equations, numerical simulations of motion trajectories, energy-time relationships, and phase space are carried out using Vpython with the Euler method and the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. Comparing the results of experiments and numerical simulations, the two complement each other, which can greatly reduce the number of experimental validations and save the economic and time costs. The application of this integrated approach to physics teaching not only enriches students' understanding of the “pendulum” system from different perspectives, but also stimulates their interest in exploring the deeper phenomena of physics through the in-depth analysis of energy conservation and kinetic stability. The results of this paper are of great significance for improving students' practical ability, inquiry ability and information technology application ability, and laying a solid foundation for the future promotion of Vpython as a teaching tool at a wider educational level.