Synchronized chaos in a system of two classical kicked rotors

Synchronized chaos is demonstrated in a system of two classical kicked rotors where one rotor is driven by the momentum of the other. Despite sharing a common momentum, a synchronized response of the rotors is not inevitable. The prevalence of synchronized chaos is studied in changes in initial conditions and kick strength. While both synchronized quasi-periodic and chaotic motions are possible, both types of motion may also be asynchronous. In some rare cases, the driving rotor can exhibit quasi-periodic motion while the driven rotor exhibits chaos. System equations are solved using an iterative map, and chaotic motion is distinguished from quasi-periodic motion using a heuristic interpretation of the frequency response. The relative simplicity of the analysis enables an accessible introduction to the intriguing phenomenon of chaotic synchronization.