Lyapunov exponents and continuum kinematics (Q5916416)

Results originating in the theory of continuum kinematics are applied to the study of Lyapunov exponents. Algorithms are derived for the computation of the smallest, largest, bounds and sum of the Lyapunov exponents. These are based on kinematical theorems for the material derivative of stretch, volume, material unit vectors, hypersurface normals and area elements. The close connection between the theory of Lyapunov exponents and certain aspects of continuum kinematics is demonstrated. Numerical studies indicate the utility of the derived algorithms.