From invariant curves to strange attractors (Q1348978)

A simple differential equation \(\ddot \theta +\lambda (\dot \theta-1) = \mu+\Phi (\theta)P_T(t)\) is studied as parameters are varied. Here, \(\Phi\) is \(2\pi\)-periodic, and \(P_T\) is \(T\)-periodic given by \(P_T(t)=1\) for \(t\in [0,t_0]\), while \(P_T(t)=0\) for \(t\in (t_0,T)\). Rich dynamical behaviour is shown like existence of quasiperiodic solutions, transient chaos caused by the presence of horseshoes and strange attractors are observed as well.