Sensitive dependence on initial conditions for cellular automata

Abstract

The property of sensitive dependence on intial conditions is the basis of a rigorous mathematical construction of local maximum Lyapunov exponents for cellular automata. The maximum Lyapunov exponent is given by the fastest average velocity of either the left or right propagating damage fronts. Deviations from the long term behavior of the finite time Lyapunov exponents due to generation of information are quantified and could be used for the characterization of the space time complexity of cellular automata. (c) 1997 American Institute of Physics.