Chaos and Time-Series Analysis - Tapa dura

... comprehensive ... most suitable for systematic study but can also serve as a useful reference work in your library ... an indispensable addition to my bookshelf ... the explanations and support material will fill in the necessary updating of your mathematics ... The extensive and evolving website back-up makes the book unique and even more valuable. It stays up to date as the field evolves. The book is thus perfect for self-instruction, or for use as a classroom textbook, and of course, as a reference work for workers in any field of science. (Nonlinear Dynamics in Psychology and Life Sciences)

This text provides an introduction to the exciting new developments in chaos and related topics in nonlinear dynamics, including the detection and quantification of chaos in experimental data, fractals, and complex systems. Most of the important elementary concepts in nonlinear dynamics are discussed, with emphasis on the physical concepts and useful results rather than mathematical proofs and derivations. While many books on chaos are purely qualitative and many others are highly mathematical, this book fills the middle ground by giving the essential equations, but in the simplest possible form. It assumes only an elementary knowledge of calculus. Complex numbers, differential equations, and vector calculus are used in places, but those tools are described as required. The book is aimed at the student, scientist, or engineer who wants to learn how to use the ideas in a practical setting. It is written at a level suitable for advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students in all fields of science and engineering.