Details

This problem was taken from the MA205 course examples at the United States Military Academy, West Point. It involves a model of a multi-tank mixing problem using a system of first-order differential equations. Students are asked to solve the equations using a variety of methods. This Demonstration provides a visualization of the mixing example given as a reading assignment to help prepare the students. This problem would be a good example for any course that includes coupled first-order differential equations. It lets an instructor simulate a visual experiment without the mess of setting up a lab in the classroom. Students can solve these equations using a variety of methods including numerical, Laplace transforms, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and elimination.

Reference

D. Zill, A First Course in Differential Equations with Modeling Applications, 9th ed., Pacific Grove, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2008.