Applied nonlinear dynamics : analytical, computational, and experimental methods /

Since Poincare's early work on the nonlinear dynamics of the n-body problem in celestial mechanics, the twentieth century has seen an explosion of interest in nonlinear systems. Lorenz's study of a deterministic, third-order system of weather dynamics showed that this system demonstrated a random-like behavior called chaos. Through numerical simulations made possible by modern computers, and through experiments with physical systems, the presence of chaos has been discovered in many dynamical systems. The phenomenon of chaos has, in turn, spurred a great revival of interest in nonlinear dynamics. Applied Nonlinear Dynamics provides a coherent and unified treatment of analytical, computational, and experimental methods and concepts of nonlinear dynamics. The fascinating phenomenon of chaos is explored, and the many routes to chaos are treated at length. Methods of controlling bifurcations and chaos are described. Numerical methods and tools to characterize motions are examined in detail, Poincare sections, Fourier spectra, polyspectra, autocorrelation functions, Lyapunov exponents, and dimension calculations are presented as analytical and experimental tools for analyzing the motion of nonlinear systems. This book contains numerous worked-out examples that illustrate the new concepts of nonlinear dynamics. Moreover, it contains many exercises that can be used both to reinforce concepts discussed in the chapters and to assess the progress of students. Students who thoroughly cover this book will be well prepared to make significant contributions in research efforts.