No label defined (Q4336809)

We concentrate on dissipative continuous systems, described by a finite set of ordinary differential equations. Without loss of generality we assume these to be in autonomous first-order form, with the time-dependent variables defining a multi-dimensional phase space. In this space a stationary vector field defines the non-crossing trajectories of the system. A one-degree-of-freedom driven oscillator can, for example, be cast in this form, with a three-dimensional phase space spanned by the displacement \(x\), the velocity \(y\) and the time \(t\). The time \(t\) can be formally introduced as a phase variable by writing the dummy equation, \(dt/dt=1\). A Poincaré section is used to reduce a continuous dynamical system to a discrete mapping. For the entire collection see [Zbl 0845.00057].