MECE 4382 Introduction to Nonlinear Dynamics

This course is an introduction to nonlinear dynamics and stresses analytical methods, examples and geometric intuition. The course covers the following topics: mechanical engineering systems described by differential equations and their bifurcations, phase plane analysis, limit cycles and their bifurcations, Lorenz equations, chaos, iterated maps, period doubling, renormalization, fractals, and strange attractors. The course has an emphasis on engineering applications. Some of these applications include mechanical vibrations, lasers, superconducting circuits, chemical oscillators, and chaotic waterwheels. Software packages such as MATLAB are used for numerical simulations of mechanical engineering applications related to nonlinear dynamics and chaos.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

A grade of "C" or better in MECE 2302 and MECE 3450.

Schedule Type

Lecture

Grading Basis

Standard Letter (A-F)

Administrative Unit

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Offered

Fall/Spring/Summer