Physics, Theories of Science, Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics

Exploring Nature's Dynamics

Name: Exploring Nature's Dynamics
Author: E. Atlee Jackson
ISBN: 9780471191469

by E. Atlee Jackson

Write a review

Overview

Explore the remarkable variety of nature's dynamics

The development of the computer over the latter half of the twentieth century has greatly advanced our ability to explore the complex dynamics that occur in nature. With the aid of the computer, we can now study nonlinear types of dynamics that cannot generally be studied by mathematics. Realistic computer models of natural dynamics can now be developed, and even the simplest have uncovered remarkable and unexpected types of natural dynamics.

Researchers have found that simple dynamic actions over short periods of time can produce long-term dynamics that were never dreamt of in the past. Even the smallest changes in a system's short-time behavior can have enormous effects on the future of the system. Slightly different initial configurations can also produce very different future dynamics, which is now recognized as the important "sensitivity" feature of many dynamic systems.

Exploring Nature's Dynamics offers an introductory opportunity to learn about-and explore for yourself-some of the diverse forms of dynamics that occur in nature's reproduction processes. These forms include the competitive and cooperative interactions between species, neurological behaviors, dynamic spatial organizations, and the amazing constructive contributions of chaotic dynamics to our minds and hearts, the evolution of our solar system, and the human species itself. All you need to explore these ideas is a healthy curiosity and your own imagination. The accompanying disk includes simple Qbasic computer programs that allow you to witness dynamic systems at work. The methods for using these programs-and for making modifications basedon your own creativity-are fully explained for people who have never used computer programs before. So come explore!

About the Author, E. Atlee Jackson

E. ATLEE JACKSON is Professor of Physics, Emeritus, former Director of the Center for Complex System's Research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Fellow of the American Physical Society. He has taught and performed research on nonlinear dynamic phenomena for forty years, and is the author of the two-volume Perspectives of Nonlinear Dynamics.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet. Log in to write one.

Editorials

Booknews

This book/disk package explores some of the diverse forms of dynamics that can occur in nature's reproduction processes. These forms include the competitive and cooperative interactions between species, neurological behaviors, dynamic spatial organizations, and the contributions of chaotic dynamics to the evolution of the solar system and of the human species. Includes concept exercises and programming exercises. The accompanying disk includes simple Qbasic programs illustrating dynamic systems at work. Computer programming experience is not required. Jackson is former director of the Center for Complex Systems Research at the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)