Mathematical Modeling of Social Phenomena

Dr. Courtney Brown

Assignment #7

Use Phaser to explore three separate variations (i.e., scenarios) of the Richardson Arms Race model. Use a continuous-time version of the model. Enter the equations into Phaser, and pick suitable parameters and environmental conditions for your simulations. Use a fourth-order Runge-Kutta algorithm to plot your simulations. Create a variety of plots to explain your three separate scenarios. Try using multiple initial conditions with three sets of parameter values to create three very different-looking phase diagrams. Also make directional field plots for each scenario. Be creative and explore the capabilities of Phaser. "Make it rock!"

In a few pages of text, explain each scenario that you have created. Explain your choice of parameter values based on your theoretical interpretation of what might happen in an arms race with respect to Richardson's model. Be bold and daring. Remember that the fear of making mistakes can inhibit creativity. Drop the fear and try to be dramatic with your explorations of this model.

Hand it all in. Be sure to insert the words "[Insert Figure 1 about here.]" after the paragraph in which you first mention a given figure (changing the figure number as needed, of course). These are formatting instructions for a publisher's typesetter, and you always need to work with the goal of publication in mind regardless of whether or not you intend to publish a given work.