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Adapting Chaos Theory for Undergraduate Electrical Engineers

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Conference

2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Minneapolis, MN

Publication Date

August 23, 2022

Start Date

June 26, 2022

End Date

June 29, 2022

Conference Session

Curricular Developments in Electrical and Computer Engineering

Page Count

21

DOI

10.18260/1-2--40835

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/40835

Download Count

565

Paper Authors

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Benjamin Flores University of Texas at El Paso

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Hector Ochoa

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Dr. Hector Ochoa is an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at Stephen F. Austin State University, where he develops curriculum and laboratories in engineering physics. Dr. Ochoa graduated with his doctorate and M.S. from the University of Texas at El Paso, and a Bachelor’s degree from The University of Guadalajara, Mexico. His current research interests include Radar Image Processing, Compressive Radar, and Engineering Education.

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Chandra Pappu Union College

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Abstract

The study of chaos has long attracted the attention of engineering, mathematics, and science educators. Most, if not all, courses dedicated to chaos are graduate-level courses requiring a broad understanding of linear and nonlinear systems. The exception would be differential equations, where chaos may be discussed as an optional topic of discussion. We argue that chaos is an attractive field of study for undergraduates that can raise their interest in interdisciplinary topics if the material is adapted, building on previous knowledge of ordinary differential equations, linear algebra, and probability. We propose an approach that involves discussions of one-dimensional maps, the harmonic oscillator, the Van der Pol Oscillator, and the Lorenz oscillator as building blocks, with corresponding simulations and implementation using integrated circuits such as op-amps and analog multipliers. In addition to equilibrium points, limit cycles, eigenvalue analysis, and feedback control, we introduce concepts such as bifurcation, phase-plane analysis, anti-control, and Lyapunov functions and exponents as discussions evolve. The course ends with a discussion of the synchronization of chaotic oscillators in the context of communications and radar applications. As designed, the course can become a senior technical elective that builds on junior-level electronics and signals and systems courses. Higher-level learning outcomes are analysis in the cognitive domain, mechanism in the psychomotor domain, and value in the affective domain.

Flores, B., & Ochoa, H., & Pappu, C. (2022, August), Adapting Chaos Theory for Undergraduate Electrical Engineers Paper presented at 2022 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Minneapolis, MN. 10.18260/1-2--40835

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