Chaos and Nonlinear Dynamics: An Introduction for Scientists and Engineers - Hardcover

Hilborn, Robert C.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0195057600 ISBN 13: 9780195057607

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1994

Synopsis

This is the only book that introduces the full range of activity in the rapidly growing field of nonlinear dynamics to an audience of students, scientists, and engineers with no in-depth experience in the area. The text uses a step-by-step explanation of dynamics and geometry in state space as a foundation for understanding nonlinear dynamics. It goes on to provide a thorough treatment of such key topics as differential equation models and iterated map models (including a derivation of the famous Feigenbaum numbers), the surprising role of number theory in dynamics, and an introduction to Hamiltonian dynamics. This is the only book written at this introductory level to include the increasingly important field of pattern formation, along with a survey of the controversial questions of quantum chaos. Important analytical tools, such as Lyapunov exponents, Kolmogorov entropies, and fractal dimensions, are treated in detail. With over 200 figures and diagrams, and both analytic and computer exercises following every chapter, the book is ideally suited for use as a text or for self-instruction. An extensive collection of annotated references brings the reader into contact with the literature in nonlinear dynamics, which the reader will be prepared to tackle after completing the book.

About this title

About the Author

Robert C. Hilborn is Lisa and Amanda Cross Professor of Physics at Amherst College.

Review

"While the last few years have seen a flood of new books about chaos, the present volume is virtually unique in the breadth of its coverage and the relatively modest mathematical background it requires from its readers. . .I know of no better introduction to the subject." --Mathematical
Reviews

"This ambitious book introduces a broad variety of concepts in nonlinear dynamics to an undergraduate audience....Contains much valuable material....Contains many computer examples and exercises that are useful and specific. It also has an extensive bibliography, which is a wonderful
resource....Extremely useful. It provides lucid expositions of many important concepts as well as an extensive introduction to the literature of nonlinear dynamics." --Susan Coppersmith, ATandT Bell Laboratories, Computers in Physics

"I congratulate the author on having managed to write an extremely thorough, comprehensive, and entertaining introduction to the fascinating field of nonlinear dynamics. His book is highly self-explanatory and ideally suited for self-instruction. There is hardly any question that the author
does not address in an exceptionally readable manner, and...he succeeds in conveying a complete and satisfying picture....Often I felt as if the author in person was guiding me through the amazing and beautiful world of chaos ....Hilborn somehow knows how to get important points across with the
barest minimum of necessary mathematics.... Hilborn's book is a thorough and well-written introduction to nonlinear dynamics. I strongly recommend it to those looking for a comprehensive, practical, and not highly mathematical approach to the subject." --Earle R. Hunt, Ohio University, IEEE
Spectrum

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0195057600
• ISBN 13: 9780195057607
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 672