A spring–block chain placed on a running conveyor belt is considered for modeling stylized facts observed in the dynamics of stock indexes. Individual stocks are modeled by the blocks, while the stock–stock correlations are introduced via simple elastic forces acting in the springs. The...

The wide modeling potential of the classical spring-block type system is illustrated by an interdisciplinary application. A simple one-dimensional spring-block chain with asymmetric spring forces is used to model idealized single-lane highway traffic and the emergence of phantom traffic jams....