Nonlinear Dynamics: A Primer

Description

A systematic and comprehensive introduction to the study of nonlinear dynamical systems, in both discrete and continuous time, for nonmathematical students and researchers working in applied fields. An understanding of linear systems and the classical theory of stability are essential although basic reviews of the relevant material are provided. Further chapters are devoted to the stability of invariant sets, bifurcation theory, chaotic dynamics and the transition to chaos. In the final two chapters the authors approach the subject from a measure-theoretical point of view and compare results to those given for the geometrical or topological approach of the first eight chapters. Includes about one hundred exercises. A Windows-compatible software programme called DMC, provided free of charge through a website dedicated to the book, allows readers to perform numerical and graphical analysis of dynamical systems. Also available on the website are computer exercises and solutions to selected book exercises. See www.cambridge.org/economics/resources

Alfredo Medio is currently Professor of Mathematical Economics at the University 'Ca' Foscari' of Venice and Director of the International Center of Economics and Finance at the Venice International University. After receiving a Ph.D. in Economics from Cambridge University he taught at several universities around the world, including the New School for Social Research (New York), the Ecole of Hautes Etudes in Sciences Sociales (Marseilles), Duke University and the University of Paris. He also served as Economic Affairs Officer of UNCTAD (Geneva). Professor Medio is the author of numerous articles published in learned journals and of the book Chaotic Dynamics: Theory and Applications to Economics published by Cambridge University Press in 1992. (Date of birth: 13 February 1938) Marji Lines is currently Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Udine (Italy). Since completing a Ph.D. in Economics at the University of Utah (Salt Lake City), she has taught courses in Economics, Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, principally at the University of Udine, but also at Duke University (Durham, NC) and Deakin University (Melbourne). She has been a Visiting Scholar at the Santa Fe Institute and the Faculty of Economics and Politics, Cambridge University and has published articles on economic theory and environmental economics in journals and collections. (Date of birth: 30 June 1951)

'... the book is well written and contains lots of useful information. It will serve as a good reference on dynamical systems both for students and researchers.' Zentralblatt fur Mathematik und ihre Grenzgebiete Mathematics Abstracts