Naučno-tehničeskij Vestnik Informacionnyh Tehnologij, Mehaniki i Optiki (Mar 2017)
PHYSICAL OBJECT-ORIENTED MODELING IN DEVELOPMENT OF INDIVIDUALIZED TEACHING AND ORGANIZATION OF MINI-RESEARCH IN MECHANICS COURSES
Abstract
Subject of Research. The paper presents a relatively simple method to develop interactive computer models of physical systems without computer programming skills or automatic generation of the numerical computer code for the complex physical systems. Developed computer models are available over the Internet for educational purposes and can be edited by users in an unlimited number of possibilities. An applicability of computer simulations for the massive open individualized teaching and an organization of undergraduate research are also discussed. Method. The presented approach employs an original physical object-oriented modeling method, which is an extension of object-oriented programming ideas to tasks of developing simulations of the complex physical systems. In this framework, a computer model of the physical system is constructed as a set of interconnected computer objects simulating the system components: particles and fields. Interactions between the system components are described by self-adapting algorithms that are specified during the model initiation stage and are set according to either the classical or relativistic approach. The utilized technique requires neither a priori knowledge regarding an evolution of the physical system nor a formulation of differential equations describing the physical system. Main Results. Testing of the numerical implementation and an accuracy of the algorithms was performed with the use of benchmarks with the known analytical solutions. The developed method - a physical reality constructor - has provided an opportunity to assemble a series of computer models to demonstrate physical phenomena studied in the high school and university mechanic courses. More than 150 original interactive models were included into the collections of multi-level multimedia resources to support teaching of the mechanics. The physical reality constructor was successfully tested to serve as a test bed for the independent research by students on physical properties of complex mechanical systems, the analysis of which is beyond the scope of the standard physics and mathematics curriculum. The heuristic capabilities of models created by the physical reality constructor were also demonstrated. The capability to investigate dynamics of the complex systems, an a priori analysis of which is not evident or with a difficult or impossible-to-calculate evolution, was also demonstrated. Practical Relevance. The developed computer program for automated development of interactive educational simulations provides a solution to standing problems in accompanying massive open individualized learning multi-level courses in physics as well as an opportunity to develop creative forms of training in physics with elements of research.
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