Introduction to Discrete Dynamical Systems and Chaos

A timely, accessible introduction to the mathematics ofchaos. The past three decades have seen dramatic developments in thetheory of dynamical systems, particularly regarding the explorationof chaotic behavior. Complex patterns of even simple processesarising in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, economics, anda host of other disciplines have been investigated, explained, andutilized. Introduction to Discrete Dynamical Systems and Chaos makes theseexciting and important ideas accessible to students and scientistsby assuming, as a background, only the standard undergraduatetraining in calculus and linear algebra. Chaos is introduced at theoutset and is then incorporated as an integral part of the theoryof discrete dynamical systems in one or more dimensions. Both phasespace and parameter space analysis are developed with ampleexercises, more than 100 figures, and important practical examplessuch as the dynamics of atmospheric changes and neuralnetworks. An appendix provides readers with clear guidelines on how to useMathematica to explore discrete dynamical systems numerically.Selected programs can also be downloaded from a Wiley ftp site(address in preface). Another appendix lists possible projects thatcan be assigned for classroom investigation. Based on the author's1993 book, but boasting at least 60% new, revised, and updatedmaterial, the present Introduction to Discrete Dynamical Systemsand Chaos is a unique and extremely useful resource for allscientists interested in this active and intensely studiedfield. An Instructor's Manual presenting detailed solutions to all theproblems in the book is available upon request from the Wileyeditorial department.