Chaotic Vibrations

Translates new mathematical ideas in nonlinear dynamics and chaos into a language that engineers and scientists can understand, and gives specific examples and applications of chaotic dynamics in the physical world. Also describes how to perform both computer and physical experiments in chaotic dynamics. Topics cover Poincare maps, fractal dimensions and Lyapunov exponents, illustrating their use in specific physical examples. Includes an extensive guide to the literature, especially that relating to more mathematically oriented works; a glossary of chaotic dynamics terms; a list of computer experiments; and details for a demonstration experiment on chaotic vibrations.

FRANCIS C. MOON, PhD. Before returning to Cornell in 1975, Professor Moon taught at Princeton University. At Cornell, he spent seven years as chair of the Department of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics and then served as director of the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from 1987-1992. He has published nearly 150 technical papers and five books, spanning a wide spectrum of problems in nonlinear dynamics and chaos, dynamics of structures, magneto-mechanical systems, superconducting bearings, magnetic levitation of vehicles, smart structures, and most recently, the history of engineering. Professor Moon is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.