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Chaotic Dynamics
An Introduction Based on Classical Mechanics
Since Newton, a basic principle of natural philosophy has been determin-
ism, the possibility of predicting evolution over time into the far future,
given the governing equations and starting conditions. Our everyday
experience often strongly contradicts this expectation. In the past few
decades we e to understand that even motion in simple systems
can plex and surprising properties.
Chaotic Dynamics provides a clear introduction to chaotic phenom-
ena, based on geometrical interpretations and simple arguments, without
in-depth scientific and mathematical knowledge. Examples are taken
from classical mechanics whose elementary laws are familiar to the
reader. In order to emphasise the general features of chaos, the most
important relations are also given in simple mathematical forms, inde-
pendent of any mechanical interpretation. A broad range of potential
applications are presented, ranging from everyday phenomena through
engineering and environmental problems to astronomical aspects. It is
richly illustrated throughout, and includes striking colour plates of the
probability distribution of chaotic attractors.
Chaos occurs in a variety of scientific disciplines, and proves to be the
rule, not the exception. The book is primarily intended for undergraduate
students in science, engineering and mathematics.
TAMAS´ TEL´ is Professor of Physics at E¨otv¨os University, Budapest,
Hungary. He has served on the editorial boards of the journals Non-
linearity and Fractals and the advisory board of Chaos. His main fields
of interest are non-linear dynamics, statistical mechanics, fluid dynamics
and environmental flows.
M ARTON´ GRUIZ teaches and studies physics at E¨otv¨os University,
Budapest, Hungary. His main area of research is in non-linear dynamics
and he is involved in teaching chaotic phenomena.
Chaotic Dynamics
An Introduction Based on Classic