ENGR 091. Nonlinear Dynamics & Chaos

This course will introduce students to the exciting field of nonlinear dynamics and chaos, with an emphasis on its applications in the sciences broadly and in engineering specifically. Emphasis will be placed on the interpretation and analysis of the behavior of systems governed by nonlinear differential equations, including but not limited to mechanical, electrical, biological, chemical and social processes. Topics will include fixed points, stability, potentials, bifurcations, and the phase plane. Chaos will be introduced in a mathematically rigorous way, and students will learn how to quantify and interpret chaos – as opposed to randomness – when it occurs in systems of engineering and scientific interest.
Prerequisite: MATH 15, MATH 025, and ENGR 012; one of the following math preparation courses: MATH 43, MATH 44, PHYS 007, or CHEM 42; or with permission of the instructor. Recommended: familiarity with programming
Note: ENGR 012 will be waived for non-engineering majors.

Natural science and engineering.
Special topics courses will normally include a lab, substantial project, or the equivalent.
1 credit.
Spring 2025. Masroor.
Catalog chapter: Engineering
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/engineering

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