A mechanical system consisting of a mass hanging from a pivot, allowing it to oscillate without restriction. Because the time it takes to complete one full cycle depends almost entirely on its length and local gravity, it provides a highly stable timekeeper for escapement mechanisms. Engineers also study its dynamics to understand vibration, resonance, and damping in structures.
The crane load started acting like a pendulum when the operator slewed too fast.
The period of a simple swinging mass is independent of the amplitude of the swing, provided the angle is small.
Related terms
Simple harmonic motion
A periodic oscillation where the restoring force is directly proportional to the displacement.
Escapement
A mechanical linkage that controls the release of stored energy in discrete, regular steps.
Damping
The dissipation of energy in a vibrating system to reduce the amplitude of oscillations over time.