A dynamical system is a manifold \(M\) called the phase space (or state space) endowed with a family of smooth evolution functions \(\Phi(t): M \rightarrow M \) that for any evolution parameter \(t \in T\).
\(\Phi_x(t)\), trajectory through \(x\); \(\gamma_x\), orbit through \(x\).
Table: Classification of Dynamical Systems by the Evolution Variable
Time | Bi-directional | Non-negative |
---|---|---|
Real line | flow | semi-flow |
Integers | map/cascade | semi-cascade |
The study of dynamical systems is largely qualitative, i.e. on properties that do not change under smooth coordinate transformations.
Nonlinear dynamical systems are typically chaotic.
Notes on Reaction-diffusion system