scientific article; zbMATH DE number 1792281

Publication date 29 August 2002

The main purpose of this nice book is to provide the reader with a fairly comprehensive and concise introduction to the theory of nonlinear dynamical systems, both discrete-time and continuous-time. The book consists of ten chapters. The first chapter introduces discrete and continuous dynamical systems, flows, and maps. A review of the basic facts for linear systems is provided in Chapter two. Fundamental definitions and techniques used in stability theory are introduced in Chapter three, with the discussion continued in Chapter four, where invariant and limit sets are considered along with the attracting sets and attractors. Periodic, quasiperiodic orbits and their stability are also studied there. Local bifurcations form the subject of Chapter five, while chaotic sets and chaotic attractors are considered in Chapter six. Chapter seven deals with Lyapunov characteristic exponents, fractals, and homoclinics. Period-doubling route to chaos, intermittency, crises, and the role of quasiperiodicity in the transition to chaos are discussed in Chapter eight. Chapter nine is devoted to the ergodic approach which proved to be very useful for the study of the higher-dimensional systems. Finally, Chapter ten deals with Bernoulli systems having the reputation of the least predictable. There are about one hundred exercises in all chapters except the last one. The answers to selected exercises, as well as a workbook of computer exercises coordinated with the exercises assigned in the text can be found at the web site of the publisher. In addition, a free user-friendly Windows-compatible software package called DMC (Dynamic Models Cruncher) is available at the same webpage. The book ends with the suggestions for further reading on the subject and an extensive bibliography containing more than 150 references, mostly to the textbooks and monographs. According to the authors, the book is intended for non-mathematical students and researchers working in economics, physics, biology, statistics and linguistics. The level of exposition and material included into the book varies from intermediate undergraduate to intermediate and, sometimes, advanced graduate level, although the authors do not clearly state it. However, the hint can be found in the section on further reading, where the graduate level text by \textit{L. Perko} [Differential equations and dynamical systems, New York, Springer (2001; Zbl 0973.34001)] and the undergraduate text by \textit{M. Braun} [Differential equations and their applications: An introduction to applied mathematics, New York, Springer (1993; Zbl 0771.34001)] are suggested as additional reading on differential equations ``at an intermediate level of difficulty. The textbook requires quite solid preparation in analysis and differential equations. The authors had concentrated their efforts mostly on clarifying the key issues in the theory of dynamical systems paying, for instance, lots of attention to careful introduction of the concepts of attractor and chaotic set. As a result, several important for the theory of differential equations nuances in classical concepts have not been explicated in full detail. For example, the authors do not distinguish between weak and strong Lyapunov functions calling them simply Lyapunov functions, and make no difference between solution matrices and fundamental matrices for linear systems using just the latter notion. This might confuse readers without solid background in differential equations. Furthermore, the book would become more friendly towards non-mathematicians through inclusion of additional examples and more detailed explanations which on several occasions could become crucial for understanding of the material. Overall, 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.

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