Visualization of chaotic attractors in 3D as motivating tool for introductory physics course

Abstract

It is well known that simple nonlinear systems can produce inherently unpredictable behaviour, which is called chaotic motion. Interest in the theory behind it has risen rapidly and much effort has been invested in integrating it into graduate and undergraduate curricula. However, the concepts and ideas that are appropriate for the description of these motions are very abstract and intricate. Human beings are visual creatures in nature; therefore all aids and procedures which give a visible demonstration of an abstract idea are of great value from a didactic point of view. Our paper offers the teachers a method for the demonstration of strange attractors which play a central role in the theory of chaotic systems. The images of the 2D projection of the strange attractors are well known and common, however their 3D visualisation gives a real sensation for the human brain so they are much more suitable for capturing the students' interest. With the help of our downloadable MAPLE program the DXF files of strange attractors can be easily generated and their images can be engraved in glass. E-materials belonging to the method can be downloaded from our webpage.