Brief Description:
Originally published: New York: Wiley, 1991.

Table of Contents:
Preface for the Dover EditionPrefaceI. Introductory Section1. Introduction to Dynamics2. A Brief History of Dynamics and ComputingII. A Thumbnail Sketch of Applied Mathematics3. Foundations and Abstract Entities4. Classical Analysis5. Numerical Analysis and Approximation Theory6. Statistical Method7. Classical Modeling TechniquesIII. Classical Models and Dynamical Concepts8. Dynamics without Calculus9. Basic Models10. Cycles11. Analysis of Mathematical ModelsIV. The Hierarchy of Dynamic Systems12. A Classification Scheme for Dynamic Systems13. Static Systems--Type Zero14. Solvable Systems--Type I15. Perturbation Theory--Type II16. Chaotic Systems--Type III17. Stochastic Systems--Type IVV. The Art of Model Making18. Qualitative Analysis19. Quantitative Analysis20. Model ValidationReferences--The Modeler's LibraryIndex

Marc Notes:
Originally published: New York: Wiley, 1991.; Includes index.

Publisher Marketing:
This text illustrates the roles of statistical methods, coordinate transformations, and mathematical analysis in mapping complex, unpredictable dynamical systems. It describes the benefits and limitations of the available modeling tools, showing engineers and scientists how any system can be rendered simpler and more predictable.
Written by a well-known authority in the field, this volume employs practical examples and analogies to make models more meaningful. The more universal methods appear in considerable detail, and advanced dynamic principles feature easy-to-understand examples. The text draws careful distinctions between mathematical abstractions and observable realities. Additional topics include the role of pure mathematics, the limitations of numerical methods, forecasting in the presence of chaos and randomness, and dynamics without calculus. Specialized techniques and case histories are coordinated with a carefully selected and annotated bibliography. The original edition was a Library of Science Main Selection in May, 1991. This new Dover edition features corrections by the author and a new Preface.