This project establishes a central laboratory for the study of nonlinear dynamics, chaos and fractals, and supports coursees in mathematics, the physical sciences, and engineering. Two mathematics courses -- one for students with no prior preparation, the other requiring acquaintance with calculus -- use computers housed in the laboratory for simulation and graphical analysis. The laboratory also provides hands-on experience for students with some background in physics in upper- level classical mechanics and a special course solely devoted to the study of nonlinear vibrations and oscillations in mechanical, hydrodynamic, and elecrical systems. The equipment in the laboratory will also be used for demonstrations of physical phenomena with students in the two mathematics courses. The grantee provides funds for this project that are an equal match for the NSF award.
