Van der Pol Oscillator
A non-linear oscillator with non-linear damping that exhibits stable self-sustained limit cycle vibrations.
Governing formula
d²x/dt² - μ (1 - x²) dx/dt + x = 0
SI unit
N/A
In depth
Energizes the system at low amplitudes and damps it at high amplitudes, pulling all trajectories toward a unique stable limit cycle.
Examples in the real world
Modeling heartbeat pacemaker rhythms and vacuum tube electronic oscillators.