Asymptotic behaviour of dynamical systems
Date
1989
Authors
Evans, Nolan William
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Abstract
The motivation for the study of dynamical systems is shown to have both physical and mathematical aspects resulting from the fact that all of dynamical systems theory is characterisable in terms of a physical/mathematical dichotomy. While the most intuitive approach is a physical one, some of the aspects of dynamical systems discussed are not obvious until they are examined from a mathematical perspective.
It is found that asymptotic invariance is an appropriate method of studying dynamical systems, the resultant discussion centering on stability - resistance to small perturbations of the system. Two types of stability - structural stability and Zeeman stability - are examined and compared.
An important property in the study of dynamical systems is hyperbolicity. The relationship of this property to structural stability is discussed and a characterisation of strange attractors for hyperbolic systems is examined.
In conclusion, some areas which seem to warrant a more detailed examination are mentioned.