3D-printed experimental devices for teaching dynamical systems in physics
Abstract
We present the design, construction and classroom use of 3D-printed experimental devices aimed at introducing dynamical systems in physics courses. Theoretical, technical and pedagogical criteria are proposed for producing low-cost, modifiable resources suitable for experimental work. Three devices are analysed as examples: a magnetic pendulum, a wooden woodpecker toy and a double pendulum. The suggested activities are organised around prediction, observation, comparison between configurations, and the elaboration of physical explanations. The main contribution of this work is to show concrete implementation possibilities in secondary education, pre-service teacher training and introductory university courses, together with a discussion of the scope and limitations of 3D printing in experimental teaching.
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BibTeX
@misc{silva20263dprinted,
title = {{3D-printed experimental devices for teaching dynamical systems in physics}},
author = {Mario Silva and Victoria López and Daniel Freire and Arturo C. Marti},
howpublished = {arXiv},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.48550/arxiv.2610.00186},
eprint = {2610.00186},
archivePrefix = {arXiv},
url = {https://arxiv.org/abs/2610.00186},
}
RIS
TY - UNPB
TI - 3D-printed experimental devices for teaching dynamical systems in physics
AU - Mario Silva
AU - Victoria López
AU - Daniel Freire
AU - Arturo C. Marti
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/01
PB - arXiv
DO - 10.48550/arxiv.2610.00186
UR - https://arxiv.org/abs/2610.00186
AB - We present the design, construction and classroom use of 3D-printed experimental devices aimed at introducing dynamical systems in physics courses. Theoretical, technical and pedagogical criteria are proposed for producing low-cost, modifiable resources suitable for experimental work. Three devices are analysed as examples: a magnetic pendulum, a wooden woodpecker toy and a double pendulum. The suggested activities are organised around prediction, observation, comparison between configurations, and the elaboration of physical explanations. The main contribution of this work is to show concrete implementation possibilities in secondary education, pre-service teacher training and introductory university courses, together with a discussion of the scope and limitations of 3D printing in experimental teaching.
ER -