Solving ordinary differential equations by electrical analogy: a multidisciplinary teaching tool. (20th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sanchez Perez, J F; Conesa, M; Alhama, I
• Is Part Of: European journal of physics. Volume 37:Number 6(2016:Nov.)
• Publication Date: 2016-09-20
• Subjects: ordinary differential equations -- network method -- electrical simulation -- multidisciplinary tools -- education in science and engineering; Physics -- Periodicals; Physics -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Europe -- Periodicals; 530
• DOI: 10.1088/0143-0807/37/6/065703
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-0807

Abstract

Abstract: Ordinary differential equations are the mathematical formulation for a great variety of problems in science and engineering, and frequently, two different problems are equivalent from a mathematical point of view when they are formulated by the same equations. Students acquire the knowledge of how to solve these equations (at least some types of them) using protocols and strict algorithms of mathematical calculation without thinking about the meaning of the equation. The aim of this work is that students learn to design network models or circuits in this way; with simple knowledge of them, students can establish the association of electric circuits and differential equations and their equivalences, from a formal point of view, that allows them to associate knowledge of two disciplines and promote the use of this interdisciplinary approach to address complex problems. Therefore, they learn to use a multidisciplinary tool that allows them to solve these kinds of equations, even students of first course of engineering, whatever the order, grade or type of non-linearity. This methodology has been implemented in numerous final degree projects in engineering and science, e.g., chemical engineering, building engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, architecture, etc. Applications are presented to illustrate the subject of this manuscript.