Chaotic Dynamics: An Introduction Based on Classical Mechanics - Softcover

Tél, Tamás; Gruiz, Márton

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521547830 ISBN 13: 9780521547833

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2006

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Book Description

Chaotic Dynamics provides a clear introduction to chaotic phenomena, based on geometrical interpretations and simple arguments, without requiring prior in-depth scientific and mathematical knowledge. Richly illustrated throughout, examples are taken from classical mechanics whose elementary laws are familiar to the reader. The most important relations are also given in simple mathematical forms, independent of any mechanical interpretation. It includes a broad range of potential applications, ranging from everyday phenomena through engineering and environmental problems to astronomical aspects. This book is primarily intended for undergraduate students in science, engineering, and mathematics.

Review

"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

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0521547830
• ISBN 13: 9780521547833
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 428