Undergraduate Research Awards
Undergraduate Projects in Computational Physics
Using computer simulations, Xavier successfully calculated phonon dispersion, phonon group velocity, and thermal conductivity in silicon nanoscale thin films of various thicknesses. The effects of downscaling on heat conduction in such thin films are also analyzed. Xavier also participated in a Council on Faculty Research (CFR)-funded project in summer 2006 and contributed to our recent publication in the Journal of Applied Physics.
Using the finite-difference numerical method, Chris successfully solved phonon dispersion in nanoscale AlN/GaN/AlN heterostructures. The obtained results are important for the calculation of the thermal conductivity in such semiconductor heterostructures. Chris was one of the two undergraduate students who participated in a Council on Faculty Research (CFR)-funded project in summer 2006 and contributed to our recent publication in the Journal of Applied Physics. Bret applied the finite-difference numerical method and solved the phonon dispersion in nanoscale silicon thin films. Bret participated in a poster presentation at the 17th Annual Illinois Student Research Conference in March 2006.
The computational technique of Molecular Dynamics is applied to simulate and study the microscopic interactions, the random motions, and the kinetic theory of gases. The trajectory data will be animated into a movie to visualize the random motions of gas molecules.
Use MATLAB, a scientific computing software, to design computer simulations and animations, which can be used to help students visualize abstract concepts, such as the Fourier Analysis. Kara gave a presentation to the physics faculty and students reporting her results at the end of the fall 2006 semester.
Classes Fall 2008
PHY 1071-Physics of Sound and Music
PHY 1071 Homework is due on Monday, 10/06/08:
Ch.20 (Hewitt), Exercises: #7, 28.
Ch.21 (Hewitt), Exercises: #5, 18, 19, 22.
08/27/08 (W): Continue to finish Monday's lecture slides.
09/03/08 (W): Continue to discuss last Friday's material and finish Ch. 3.
09/08/08 (M): Continue to discuss last Friday's material and finish Ch. 4. Take Quiz #1.
09/10/08 (W) PPT PDF: Discuss Ch. 5. Return and discuss Quiz #1. Hand out Practice Test #1.
09/12/08 (F): Discuss Practice Test #1. Discuss Lab Report #2. Discuss some homework problems.
09/15/08 (M): Take Hour Exam #1.
09/17/08 (W) PPT PDF: Start Ch. 6. Return Hour Exam #1.
09/19/08 (F) PPT PDF: Finish Ch. 6. Start Ch. 7.
09/22/08 (M): Continue to discuss Ch. 7.
09/24/08 (W) PPT PDF: Finish Ch. 7. Start Ch. 19.
09/26/08 (F): Continue to finish Ch. 19. Take Quiz #2.
09/29/08 (M) PPT PDF: Start Ch. 20.
10/01/08 (W) PPT PDF: Continue to finish Ch. 20. Start Ch. 21. Hand out Practice Test #2.
10/03/08 (F): Discuss Practice Test #2.
10/06/08 (M): Take Hour exam #2.
PHY 1371-General Physics III
PHY 1371 Homework is due on Monday, 10/06/08:
Ch.37, Problems: #2, 13, 14, 15, 18.
08/25/08 (M) Ocean Waves Computer Modeling and Simulation
08/27/08 (W): Continue to finish Monday's slides. Start a new lecture in Ch. 16.
08/29/08 (F): Continue to finish Wednesday's slides. Start a new lecture and finish the rest of Ch. 16 if time allows.
09/03/08 (W): Continue to finish last Friday's slides. Start a new lecture in Ch. 17.
09/05/08 (F): Continue to finish Wednesday's slides. Start a new lecture in Ch. 17.
09/08/08 (M) Project Examples: Continue to finish last Friday's slides. Start a new lecture in Ch. 18. Hand ou Quiz #1.
09/010/08 (W): Continue to finish Monday's slides. Start a new lecture in Ch. 18. Turn in Quiz #1. Hand ou Practice Test #1. Hand out Computational Project #1.
09/12/08 (F): Continue to finish Wednesday's slides. Discuss Practice Test #2.
09/15/08 (M): Take Hour Exam #1.
09/17/08 (W): Start Ch. 35.
09/19/08 (F): Discuss a new lecture in Ch. 35.
09/22/08 (M): Finish the rest of the slides from last Friday. Start Ch. 36.
09/24/08 (W): Finish the rest of the slides from Monday. Start a new lecture in Ch. 36.
09/26/08 (F): Finish the rest of the slides from Wednesday. Start a new lecture in Ch. 36.
09/29/08 (M): Discussion of examples in Ch. 36.
10/01/08 (W): Start Ch. 37.
10/03/08 (F): Continue to finish Wednesday's slides. Then start a new lecture in Ch. 37.
10/06/08 (M): Continue to discuss last Friday's slides and finish Ch. 37. If time allows, start Ch. 38.
PHY 4000-Seminar in Physics
PHY 1072-Physics of Sound and Music Lab
Courses Taught
Last updated 10/03/08.