Chaos and Fractals: An Elementary Introduction

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David P. Feldman (Department od Physics and Mathematics, College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA)

Chaos and Fractals

An Elementary Introduction

David P. Feldman (Department od Physics and Mathematics, College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA)

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English

Oxford University Press
02 August 2012

Fractal geometry; Chaos theory; Statistical physics; Mathematical physics

This book provides the reader with an elementary introduction to chaos and fractals, suitable for students with a background in elementary algebra, without assuming prior coursework in calculus or physics. It introduces the key phenomena of chaos - aperiodicity, sensitive dependence on initial conditions, bifurcations - via simple iterated functions. Fractals are introduced as self-similar geometric objects and analyzed with the self-similarity and box-counting dimensions. After a brief discussion of power laws, subsequent chapters explore Julia Sets and the Mandelbrot Set. The last part of the book examines two-dimensional dynamical systems, strange attractors, cellular automata, and chaotic differential equations.

The book is richly illustrated and includes over 200 end-of-chapter exercises. A flexible format and a clear and succinct writing style make it a good choice for introductory courses in chaos and fractals.

By: David P. Feldman (Department od Physics and Mathematics College of the Atlantic Bar Harbor Maine USA)
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 246mm, Width: 190mm, Spine: 22mm
Weight: 934g
ISBN: 9780199566440
ISBN 10: 0199566445
Pages: 432
Publication Date: 02 August 2012
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

I. Introducing Discrete Dynamical Systems 0: Opening Remarks 1: Functions 2: Iterating Functions 3: Qualitative Dynamics 4: Time Series Plots 5: Graphical Iteration 6: Iterating Linear Functions 7: Population Models 8: Newton, Laplace, and Determinism II. Chaos 9: Chaos and the Logistic Equation 10: The Buttery Effect 11: The Bifurcation Diagram 12: Universality 13: Statistical Stability of Chaos 14: Determinism, Randomness, and Nonlinearity III. Fractals 15: Introducing Fractals 16: Dimensions 17: Random Fractals 18: The Box-Counting Dimension 19: When do Averages exist? 20: Power Laws and Long Tails 20: Introducing Julia Sets 21: Infinities, Big and Small IV. Julia Sets and The Mandelbrot Set 22: Introducing Julia Sets 23: Complex Numbers 24: Julia Sets for f(z) = z2 + c 25: The Mandelbrot Set V. Higher-Dimensional Systems 26: Two-Dimensional Discrete Dynamical Systems 27: Cellular Automata 28: Introduction to Differential Equations 29: One-Dimensional Differential Equations 30: Two-Dimensional Differential Equations 31: Chaotic Differential Equations and Strange Attractors VI. Conclusion 32: Conclusion VII. Appendices A: Review of Selected Topics from Algebra B: Histograms and Distributions C: Suggestions for Further Reading

David Feldman joined the faculty at College of the Atlantic in 1998, having completed a PhD in Physics at the University of California. He served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs from 2003 - 2007. At COA Feldman has taught over twenty different courses in physics, mathematics, and computer science. Feldman's research interests lie in the fields of statistical mechanics and nonlinear dynamics. In his research, he uses both analytic and computational techniques. Feldman has authored research papers in journals including Physical Review E, Chaos, and Advances in Complex Systems. In 2011-12 he was a U.S. Fulbright Lecturer in Kigali, Rwanda.

Reviews for Chaos and Fractals: An Elementary Introduction

For the right audience and instructor, this is a wonderful book. With considerable effort on both sides it can take a wide audience with modest mathematics to a reasonable understanding of what is behind much of the complex phenomena seen in modern mathematical models of the physical universe. Thomas B. Ward, Zentralblatt MATH This is an excellent book, and is highly recommended. Mark Hunacek, Mathematical Association of America The only textbook on chaos and fractals for non-science and mathematics majors. Covers central phenomena and ideas of chaos and fractals in a careful, intellectually honest, but accessible way. L'Einsegnement Mathematique (2) 59 Chaos and fractals are two intertwined concepts that have revolutionized many areas of science and renewed popular interest in mathematics over the past few decades. Feldman's book is a rich resource for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of these subjects without the need for advanced mathematics. Julien Clinton Sprott, University of Wisconsin-Madison David P. Feldman provides a delightful and thoughtful introduction to chaos and fractals requiring only a good background in algebra. The formal treatment of nonlinear dynamics, chaotic behavior, Lyapunov exponents, and fractal dimensions is leavened with creative analogies and many helpful and visually attractive figures and diagrams. Even more mathematically sophisticated readers will find this book a good starting point in exploring the complex and beguiling realms of chaos and fractals. Robert C. Hilborn, Associate Executive Officer, American Association of Physics Teachers For the right audience and instructor, this is a wonderful book. With considerable effort on both sides it can take a wide audience with modest mathematics to a reasonable understanding of what is behind much of the complex phenomena seen in modern mathematical models of the physical universe. Thomas B. Ward, Durham University The book is very well produced, with excellent diagrams and very informative notes provided beside the main text. It also provides an extensive list of references for further reading. Scottish Mathematical Council Journal