Abstract
Nonlinear oscillation is one of the most prolific physical phenomena in the universe. Nonlinear oscillators are capable of useful and strange behavior, such as stochastic resonance, energy localizations, information processing, and chaos. Several aspects of nonlinear oscillators will be discussed in this talk. Adaptive oscillators are capable of learning and storing information in their dynamic states. These plastic states make them ideal candidates for smart systems. Even without adaption, nonlinear oscillators can be used as physical reservoir computers, in which they can be used to replace a neural network. Further, benefits stemming from the complex dynamics of nonlinear oscillators can be unlocked in continuous systems through topology optimization. As a natural extension, music is information that is encoded in vibrations. Music can be studied through the same lens as other vibratory systems, and the tools of nonlinear dynamics can be used to engineer better instruments.
About the Speaker
Edmon Perkins’ research interests include nonlinear/stochastic systems, topology optimization, biomimetic systems, and music. He received a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, as well as a BS and MS in Mathematics from the University of Oklahoma. Currently, he advises 2 PhD students and 7 undergraduates. He was awarded an Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award in Nonlinear Physics (2019), a DARPA Young Faculty Award (2020), an Air Force Summer Faculty Fellowship (2019), and the ASME’s Haythornthwaite Research Initiation Grant (2017).
Host: Professor Gaurav Bahl