A comprehensive analytical solution of the nonlinear pendulum

Abstract

In this paper, an analytical solution for the differential equation of the simple but nonlinear pendulum is derived. This solution is valid for any time and is not limited to any special initial instance or initial values. Moreover, this solution holds if the pendulum swings over or not. The method of approach is based on Jacobi elliptic functions and starts with the solution of a pendulum that swings over. Due to a meticulous sign correction term, this solution is also valid if the pendulum does not swing over.