Dynamics of an Electrical Circuit

Project Background: Simple electrical circuits enable us to study the behavior of model dynamical systems. In ordinary differential equations we notice the unification of spring-mass systems and simple electrical circuits through the theory of simple harmonic motion. Electrical circuits are capable of demonstrating richer dynamical behavior than simple mechanical systems.

Project Description: The student will participate in the construction of electrical circuits and measure their behavior using an oscilloscope. The behaviors of the circuits will be compared to the dynamical behavior of mathematical models of the circuits. The student will apply various dynamical system theories to the mathematical models and use them to predict behaviors in the circuits.

Desired Student Background: Ability to program in a high-level language, preferably Mathematica, C/C++, or FORTRAN, physics/electronics knowledge equivalent to PHYS 232, and mathematical knowledge at the level of MATH 365 Ordinary Differential Equations.