Physics Seminar
Randall D. Peters |
Wednesday,
2/9/2005, 4:30 pm |
Detailed Experimental Study (Use of Classical Mechanics |
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The
figure shows two radically different pedagogical heat engines, each of which
was instrumented with ‘non-invasive’ sensors to measure their motion. Considerations of the mechanics of the
Stirling engine, whose efficiency approaches that of a Carnot cycle, will
show that the approximations of the idealized (theoretical) cycle can never
be fully realized in experiment. Examples
will be given of previously unreported complex behavior, whose quantitative
properties can only be discovered through synergy in the three elements of
experiment that were employed; i.e., (i) good sensors, (ii) an adequate
analog to digital converter, and (iii) user-friendly but powerful data
analysis software. A graphic example of complex behavior by the dippy bird
will be illustrated by replacing his usual water ‘drink’ with acetone. This change converts the nearly periodic,
well-known motion of this popular toy (patented by M. V. Sullivan in 1946)
into what has been described as the chaos of an ‘inebriated woodpecker’ |
Please join us for
light refreshments at 4:15pm outside WSC 109.