To what extent are multiple pendulum systems viable in pseudo-random number generation?

TL;DR

This paper investigates the use of chaotic multiple pendulum systems as a novel approach to pseudorandom number generation, demonstrating improved unpredictability and potential security benefits over traditional methods through statistical testing.

Contribution

It introduces a physics-based, chaos theory-inspired PRNG using multiple pendulums, showing its effectiveness and security advantages over standard algorithms.

Findings

Pendulum-based PRNG passes NIST randomness tests.

Enhanced unpredictability compared to Java's standard PRNG.

Potential for improved cryptographic security.

Abstract

This paper explores the development and viability of an alternative pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) that leverages the chaotic dynamics of multiple pendulum systems. Some traditional PRNGs, notably the one implemented in the Java.Random class, suffer from predictability which gives rise to exploitability. This study identifies these vulnerabilities and proposes a novel PRNG designed using ordinary differential equations, physics modeling, and chaos theory. The performance of the new PRNG is then tested against Java's standard PRNGs using the NIST Statistical Test Suite, which evaluates randomness through comprehensive statistical testing. Results indicate that the multiple pendulum-based PRNG not only offers enhanced security by generating less predictable number sequences but also demonstrates potential for efficiency improvements in applications requiring high levels of entropy. The findings suggest that integrating chaotic physics-based systems into PRNGs, such as the double-pendulum system tested in this study, could strengthen cryptographic practices and security protocols for applications that do not require the level of security created by true random number generators, which is useful in fields such as gaming.