Discrete dynamics. Basic theory and examples (Q2077568)

This quite small book belonging to a series entitled ``Mathematical Engineering'' is a self-contained introduction to discrete-time systems. Motivated by applications arising from physics, engineering (mechanical, electrical, control), economics and other natural sciences, it is mainly addressed to students, aiming to show that discrete dynamics deserves its own interest and is not easy to study. The book is structured in four Chapters: 1. Discrete Dynamical Systems; 2. Stability and Attraction; 3. Bifurcations; 4. Positive Linear Systems. The first chapter is on basic theory of ordinary differential equations. Besides, it contains subchapters, one on one-dimensional systems (on intervals and on the circle), one on linear systems, and one on discretization techniques for real world applications. Chapter 2 deals with stability of fixed points, periodic points, boundedness, Lyapunov functions, invariance, asymptotic stability, instability, repulsivity. Chapter 3 is entitled Bifurcations and contains several basic cases illustrated by simple examples. The last chapter is on positive linear systems and contains aspects connected to the structure of the defining matrices implying properties of the solutions. Several types of matrices with special properties are considered. The reviewed book can be considered as an introduction to the field of discrete dynamics, and as such as a preliminary study for more complete monographs, as for example [\textit{A. Halanay} and \textit{V. Rǎsvan}, Stability and stable oscillations in discrete time systems. Amsterdam: Gordon and Breach Science Publishers (2000; Zbl 1100.93001)].