- Project Background:
A convenient physical system in which to study dynamical system
contains a permanent bar magnet placed in an electrically-produced
magnetic field.
By varying the electric current and damping force, the dynamical
behavior of the apparatus can be changed.
- Project Description:
The student will participate in the construction of the
electromagnetic apparatus and instrumentation to measure its behavior.
The behavior of the apparatus will be compared to the dynamical
behavior of a mathematical model of the apparatus.
The student will apply various dynamical system theories to the
mathematical model and use them to predict behaviors in the apparatus.
- 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.