Chaotic Dynamics: An Introduction Based on Classical Mechanics / Edition 1

by Tamás Tél, Márton Gruiz

Overview

It has been discovered over the past few decades that even motions in simple systems can have complex and surprising properties. This volume provides a clear introduction to these chaotic phenomena, based on geometrical interpretations and simple arguments, without the need for prior in-depth scientific and mathematical knowledge. Richly illustrated throughout, its examples are taken from classical mechanics whose elementary laws are familiar to the reader. In order to emphasize the general features of chaos, the most important relations are also given in simple mathematical forms, independent of any mechanical interpretation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521547833
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/24/2006
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	428
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.61(h) x 0.87(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction; Part I. The Phenomenon: Complex Motion, Unusual Geometry: 1. Chaotic motions; 2. Fractal objects; Part II. Preparatory Concepts: 3. Regular motions; 4. Driven motions; Part III. Investigation of Chaotic Motion: 5. Chaos in dissipative systems; 6. Transient chaos in dissipative systems; 7. Chaos in conservative systems; 8. Chaotic scattering; 9. Applications of chaos; 10. Epilogue, outlook; Part IV. Miscellaneous: 11. Appendices; 12. Solutions to problems; 13. Bibliography.

Editorial Reviews

"What I read, and enjoyed, was a well-organized, beautifully illustrated volume covering the main points of chaotic dynamical systems, using intuitive mechanical examples to motivate clear and lucid discussions...I would happily lend this book to any student wishing to begin learning the subject of chaotic dynamics, but I would certainly also demand its return"
Rob Sturman, UK Nonlinear News Book Review

"All in all, the book is very readable, only requiring an elementary knowledge of physics and mathematics.... The book has been carefully edited by Cambridge University Press and contains a complete and useful bibliography with many useful graphs and color plates and is otherwise highly recommended as an introductory text."
Jaume Masoliver, Journal of Statistical Physics

"The authors do not shy away from the mathematics, but neither do they become so bogged down as to lose the excitement of discovery.... Highly recommended."
Choice

"The pictures at the end provide an attractive illustration of several phenomena discussed in the book."
Bernhard Lani-Wayda, Mathematical Reviews

From the Publisher