Nonlinear Structures in Physical Systems

Structures in Nature are ubiquitous and fascinating. In natural and mathematical systems nonlinear structures, roughly speaking, are those resulting from nonlinear equations, the investigation of which forms a large and integral part of the new branch of science-the nonlinear science. Like nonlinear science in general, non­ linear structures is a truly interdisciplinary subject which involves physicists, chemists, biologists, material scientists, mathematicians, engineers, etc. In view of the recent rapid developments in this subject and the existence of a converging picture which acts to unify some of the previously considered separate subfields of research, we think it is time to bring together various experts to exchange ideas and share their newest findings. The Second Woodward Confer­ ence afforded us a chance to do exactly this. Accordingly, this second conference in the series was devoted to the subject of Nonlinear Structures in Physical Sys­ tems: Pattern Formation, Chaos and Waves, and was held at San Jose State Uni­ versity on November 17-18, 1989.