ERIC Number: EJ857937
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0020-739X
EISSN: N/A
The Forced van der Pol Equation
Fay, Temple H.
International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, v40 n5 p669-677 2009
We report on a study of the forced van der Pol equation x + [epsilon](x[superscript 2] - 1)x + x = F cos[omega]t, by solving numerically the differential equation for a variety of values of the parameters [epsilon], F and [omega]. In doing so, many striking and interesting trajectories can be discovered and phenomena such as frequency entrainment, almost periodic solutions, space filling trajectories and seemingly chaotic behaviour are explored. These examples naturally give rise to computer laboratory problems suitable for student research and small group projects. (Contains 7 figures.)
Descriptors: Student Research, Calculus, Equations (Mathematics), Mathematics Instruction, Problem Solving, Laboratories
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A