Synchronization, multistability and basin crisis in coupled pendula

The synchronization dynamics of two linearly coupled pendula is studied in this paper. Based on the Lyapunov stability theory and Linear matrix inequality (LMI); some necessary and sufficient conditions for global asymptotic synchronization are derived from which an estimated threshold coupling k th , for the on-set of full synchronization is obtained. The numerical value of k th determined from the average energies of the systems is in good agreement with theoretical analysis. Prior to the on-set of synchronization, the boundary crisis of the chaotic attractor is identified. In the bistable states, where two asymmetric periodic attractors co-exist, it is shown that the coupled pendula can attain multistable states via a new dynamical transition—the basin crisis that occur prior to the on-set of stable synchronization. The essential feature of basin crisis is that the two co-existing attractors are destroyed while new three or more co-existing attractors of the same or different periodicity are created. In addition, the linear perturbation technique and the Routh–Hurwitz criteria are employed to investigate the stability of steady states, and clearly identify the different types of bifurcations likely to be encountered. Finally, two-parameter phase plots, show various regions of chaos, hyperchaos and periodicity.