This applet illustrates
the Henon-Heiles system: a point particle moving in the potential
U(x,y) = (x2+y2)/2 + xy2 -x3/3.
The user enters the energy and the initial conditions. The applet animates the
particle's motion and plots the x position and momentum each time the particle passes through y=0. Such a plot is called a Poincaré section.
Instructions for use
- Using the scrollbars provided, enter the energy (maximum value is 1/6).
- Enter the initial x coordinate and momentum by single-clicking with
the mouse at the desired location in the phase plane (right-hand panel). This also starts the animation.
- To stop the animation, click "stop".
- Repeat as often as desired. To clear the screens, click "clear".
- To significantly speed up the generation of points in the phase plane,
disable the position animation using the checkbox provided. This may be done while the animation is
running.
- Use the checkbox provided to change the size of the points plotted. This may be done while the animation is
running.