Feigenbaum Attractor Research Articles

Asymmetric Double Strange Attractors in a Simple Autonomous Jerk Circuit

The dynamics of a simple autonomous jerk circuit previously introduced by Sprott in 2011 are investigated. In this paper, the model is described by a three-time continuous dimensional autonomous system with an exponential nonlinearity. Using standard nonlinear techniques such as time series, bifurcation diagrams, Lyapunov exponent plots, and Poincaré sections, the dynamics of the system are characterized with respect to its parameters. Period-doubling bifurcations, periodic windows, and coexisting bifurcations are reported. As a major result of this work, it is found that the system experiences the unusual phenomenon of asymmetric bistability marked by the presence of two different attractors (e.g., screw-like Shilnikov attractor with a spiralling-like Feigenbaum attractor) for the same parameters setting, depending solely on the choice of initial states. Among few cases of lower dimensional systems capable of such type of behavior reported to date (e.g., Colpitts oscillator, Newton–Leipnik system, and hyperchaotic oscillator with gyrators), the jerk circuit/system considered in this work represents the simplest prototype. Results of theoretical analysis are perfectly reproduced by laboratory experimental measurements.

Structure of the correlation function at the accumulation points of the logistic map

The correlation function of the trajectory exactly at the Feigenbaum point of the logistic map is investigated and checked by numerical experiments. Taking advantage of recent closed analytical results on the symbol-to-symbol correlation function of the generating partition, we are in position to justify the deep algorithmic structure of the correlation function apart from numerical constants. A generalization is given for arbitrary m · 2∞ Feigenbaum attractors.

A dynamical model for hierarchy and modular organization: The trajectories en route to the attractor at the transition to chaos

We show that the full features of the dynamics towards the Feigenbaum attractor, present in all low-dimensional maps with a unimodal leading component, form a hierarchical construction with modular organization that leads to a clear-cut emergent property. This well-known nonlinear model system combines a simple and precise definition, an intricate nested hierarchical dynamical structure, and emergence of a power-law dynamical property absent in the exponential-law that governs the dynamics within the modules. This classic nonlinear system is put forward as a working example for complex collective behavior.

Chaotic torsional vibration of imbalanced shaft driven by a limited power supply

In this paper, torsional vibrations of imbalanced shaft driven by a limited power supply are studied. It is shown that mutual interaction of shaft and power supply may in particular result in chaotic self-oscillations that correspond to the strange attractors in the phase space of the coupled dynamical system “shaft–power supply”. In this particular model, strange attractors represent classical Lorenz and Feigenbaum attractors. Rotation characteristic of the power supply and resonance characteristic of the shaft rotational motion in one of the resonance zones are studied. It is shown that at certain intervals, these characteristics may be non-unique, which corresponds to the case of chaotic dynamics. Such non-trivial properties of the coupled system “shaft–power supply” could be used for a better understanding of complex vibrational phenomena in real applied systems such as problems related to the damping of the torsional vibrations.

Q-deformed statistical-mechanical structure in the dynamics of the Feigenbaum attractor

We show that the two complementary parts of the dynamics associated to the Feigenbaum attractor, inside and towards the attractor, form together a q-deformed statistical-mechanical structure. A time-dependent partition function produced by summing distances between neighboring positions of the attractor leads to a q-entropy that measures the ratio of ensemble trajectories still away at a given time from the attractor (and the repellor). The values of the q-indexes are given by the attractor's universal constants, while the thermodynamic framework is closely related to that first developed for multifractals.

Stationary distributions of sums of marginally chaotic variables as renormalization group fixed points

We determine the limit distributions of sums of deterministic chaotic variables in unimodal maps assisted by a novel renormalization group (RG) framework associated to the operation of increment of summands and rescaling. In this framework the difference in control parameter from its value at the transition to chaos is the only relevant variable, the trivial fixed point is the Gaussian distribution and a nontrivial fixed point is a multifractal distribution with features similar to those of the Feigenbaum attractor. The crossover between the two fixed points is discussed and the flow toward the trivial fixed point is seen to consist of a sequence of chaotic band mergers.

Renormalization group structure for sums of variables generated by incipiently chaoticmaps

We look at the limit distributions of sums of deterministic chaotic variables in unimodalmaps and find a remarkable renormalization group (RG) structure associated with theoperation of increment of summands and rescaling. In this structure—where the onlyrelevant variable is the difference in control parameter from its value at the transition tochaos—the trivial fixed point is the Gaussian distribution and a novel nontrivial fixed pointis a multifractal distribution that emulates the Feigenbaum attractor, and is universal inthe sense of the latter. The crossover between the two fixed points is explained and the flowtoward the trivial fixed point is seen to be comparable to the chaotic band mergingsequence. We discuss the nature of the central limit theorem for deterministicvariables.

Dynamics towards the Feigenbaum attractor

As an essential component in the demonstration of an atypical, q-deformed, statistical mechanical structure in the dynamics of the Feigenbaum attractor we expose, at a previously unknown level of detail, the features of the dynamics of trajectories that either evolve towards the Feigenbaum attractor or are captured by its matching repellor. Amongst these features are the following: i) The set of preimages of the attractor and of the repellor are embedded (dense) into each other. ii) The preimage layout is obtained as the limiting form of the rank structure of the fractal boundaries between attractor and repellor positions for the family of supercycle attractors. iii) The joint set of preimages for each case form an infinite number of families of well-defined phase-space gaps in the attractor or in the repellor. iv) The gaps in each of these families can be ordered with decreasing width in accord to power laws and are seen to appear sequentially in the dynamics generated by uniform distributions of initial conditions. v) The power law with log-periodic modulation associated to the rate of approach of trajectories towards the attractor (and to the repellor) is explained in terms of the progression of gap formation. vi) The relationship between the law of rate of convergence to the attractor and the inexhaustible hierarchy feature of the preimage structure is elucidated. We discuss the function of these properties in the atypical thermodynamic framework existing at the period-doubling transition to chaos.

Labyrinthine pathways towards supercycle attractors in unimodal maps

Abstract As an important preceding step for the demonstration of an uncharacteristic (q-deformed) statisticalmechanical structure in the dynamics of the Feigenbaum attractor we uncover previously unknown properties of the family of periodic superstable cycles in unimodal maps. Amongst the main novel properties are the following: i) The basins of attraction for the phases of the cycles develop fractal boundaries of increasing complexity as the period-doubling structure advances towards the transition to chaos. ii) The fractal boundaries, formed by the pre-images of the repellor, display hierarchical structures organized according to exponential clusterings that manifest in the dynamics as sensitivity to the final state and transient chaos. iii) There is a functional composition renormalization group (RG) fixed-point map associated with the family of supercycles. iv) This map is given in closed form by the same kind of q-exponential function found for both the pitchfork and tangent bifurcation attractors. v) There is final-stage ultra-fast dynamics towards the attractor, with a sensitivity to initial conditions which decreases as an exponential of an exponential of time. We discuss the relevance of these properties to the comprehension of the discrete scale-invariance features, and to the identification of the statistical-mechanical framework present at the period-doubling transition to chaos. This is the first of three studies (the other two are quoted in the text) which together lead to a definite conclusion about the applicability of q-statistics to the dynamics associated to the Feigenbaum attractor.

Nonlinearities in mathematical ecology: Phenomena and models: Would we live in Volterra's world?

Presented is a critical survey of canonical nonlinear models in theoretical population ecology, namely single-species population, prey–predator, competition, migration within a metapopulation, and trophic chains. Various nonlinear effects, like hysteresis, structural instability, dissipative structures, dynamic chaos, etc., do exist in these models, but the problem how to detect these phenomena in real ecosystems is not yet solved. In the mathematics of nonlinear models, the central question is whether the simplest, i.e., Volterra-type, nonlinearity is sufficient to reproduce a variety of nonlinear phenomena in a given model or we need a more sophisticated formalism. Examples are considered where the Volterra models fail. Although fundamental physical principles, like, e.g., the mass conservation law, should work in ecology too, the ecological origin of the models often causes mathematical effects which are distinct from those in theoretical physics. For example, the trophic-chain model does reveal a kind of chaotic behaviour, but the “ecological strange attractor” occupies an intermediate position between Lorenz's and Feigenbaum's attractors; moreover, the phase volume of our system contracts, hence the system is dissipative (like a Lorenz's one) in spite of its matter conservation property. Nevertheless, when applied properly, physical concepts, like, e.g., the thermodynamic notion of exergy, give better insight both to the patterns of nonlinear ecosystem behaviour and to comparison of the patterns.

Q-deformed statistical-mechanical property in the dynamics of trajectories en route to the Feigenbaum attractor

We demonstrate that the dynamics toward and within the Feigenbaum attractor combine to form a q -deformed statistical-mechanical construction. The rate at which ensemble trajectories converge to the attractor (and to the repellor) is described by a q entropy obtained from a partition function generated by summing distances between neighboring positions of the attractor. The values of the q indices involved are given by the unimodal map universal constants, while the thermodynamic structure is closely related to that formerly developed for multifractals. As an essential component in our demonstration we expose, in great detail, the features of the dynamics of trajectories that either evolve toward the Feigenbaum attractor or are captured by its matching repellor. The dynamical properties of the family of periodic superstable cycles in unimodal maps are seen to be key ingredients for the comprehension of the discrete scale invariance features present at the period-doubling transition to chaos. Elements in our analysis are the following. (i) The preimages of the attractor and repellor of each of the supercycles appear entrenched into a fractal hierarchical structure of increasing complexity as period doubling develops. (ii) The limiting form of this rank structure results in an infinite number of families of well-defined phase-space gaps in the positions of the Feigenbaum attractor or of its repellor. (iii) The gaps in each of these families can be ordered with decreasing width in accordance with power laws and are seen to appear sequentially in the dynamics generated by uniform distributions of initial conditions. (iv) The power law with log-periodic modulation associated with the rate of approach of trajectories toward the attractor (and to the repellor) is explained in terms of the progression of gap formation. (v) The relationship between the law of rate of convergence to the attractor and the inexhaustible hierarchy feature of the preimage structure is elucidated. (vi) A "mean field" evaluation of the atypical partition function, a thermodynamic interpretation of the time evolution process, and a crossover to ordinary exponential statistics are given. We make clear the dynamical origin of the anomalous thermodynamic framework existing at the Feigenbaum attractor.

Chaotic dynamics of simple vibrational systems

This study discusses the development of a technique for analysis of the dynamical regimes of complex mechanical systems consisting of a rotor motor coupled to a system with multi-degrees-of-freedom. To understand the possible qualitatively different dynamical regimes in such systems, a simple mechanical system is considered of the “rotator-oscillator” type with a finite power source. This system has four degrees-of-freedom and is defined in four-dimensional cylindrical phase space with 12 parameters. Near the main resonance the original system is reduced to the Lorenz system with four parameters defined in a three-dimensional Cartesian phase space. This is done with the help of a special change of variables, parameters, and employing an averaging method. Studying the latter system, the existence of one of the chaotic attractors, namely of Lorenz attractor is established. Also established is the Feigenbaum attractor and the alternation. Chaotic limit sets define chaotic behavior of the instantaneous frequency of rotation of the asynchronous motor. The Poincare mappings are presented to show the correspondence of the original 4 dof and averaged 3 dof systems. The qualitative rotational characteristics for different values of the system parameters are obtained. In particular, the system can possess normal Sommerfeld effect, doubled Sommerfeld effect and a so-called scattering of the torque curve. The scattering of the torque curve (which is a known effect in micro-electronics) is likely to be a new effect in mechanics. In contrast to the Sommerfeld effect, when frequency or amplitude jumps occur instantaneously (once the unstable point of the characteristic is reached), the jump to a next stable point may take a certain time, even infinite one. Such chaotic mistuning of the motor frequency would result in random vibrations leading to system wear and damage.

The chaotic dynamics of vibrational mechanisms with energy sources of limited power

The dynamics of a vibrational mechanism with an energy source of limited power is considered. A system of two degrees of freedom is reduced to a system of the Lorenz type by the method of averaging. The existence of one of the types of chaotic attractors in a dynamical system which is a vibrational mechanism, that is, a Lorenz attractor, is established by this. The existence of a Feigenbaum attractor and intermittence is also established. Chaotic limit sets determine the chaotic behaviour of the instantaneous frequency of rotation of an asynchronous motor. The qualitative patterns of the rotational characteristic are constructed for different values of the parameters of the system and a physical interpretation of the results is given.

Incidence of nonextensive thermodynamics in temporal scaling at Feigenbaum points

Recently, in [Phys. Rev. Lett. 95 (2005) 140601], Grassberger addresses the interesting issue of the applicability of q-statistics to the renowned Feigenbaum attractor. He concludes there is no genuine connection between the dynamics at the critical attractor and the generalized statistics and argues against its usefulness and correctness. Yet, several points are not in line with our current knowledge, nor are his interpretations. We refer here only to the dynamics on the attractor to point out that a correct reading of recent developments invalidates his basic claim.

Numerical study of the oscillatory convergence to the attractor at the edge of chaos

This paper compares three different types of ``onset of chaos'' in the logistic and generalized logistic map: the Feigenbaum attractor at the end of the period doubling bifurcations; the tangent bifurcation at the border of the period three window; the transition to chaos in the generalized logistic with inflection 1/2 ($x_{n+1} = \mu x_{n}^{1/2}$), in which the main bifurcation cascade, as well as the bifurcations generated by the periodic windows in the chaotic region, collapse in a single point. The occupation number and the Tsallis entropy are studied. The different regimes of convergence to the attractor, starting from two kinds of far-from-equilibrium initial conditions, are distinguished by the presence or absence of log-log oscillations, by different power-law scalings and by a gap in the saturation levels. We show that the escort distribution implicit in the Tsallis entropy may tune the log-log oscillations or the crossover times.

Crossover from Critical to Chaotic Attractor Dynamics in Logistic and Circle Maps

A key feature of the Tsallis statistics is its crossover to the Boltzmann-Gibbs (BG) statistics. We illustrate the mechanisms for this crossover at or near critical attractors in one-dimensional maps. First, we consider the intermittency route to chaos and explain how the crossover is due to either the feedback feature from chaotic regions into the neighborhood of the tangency, to a shift from tangency, or to perturbation by noise. We describe the role of the crossover in the related dynamics of critical clusters at thermal critical states. Secondly, we consider the onset of chaos via period doubling bifurcations and discuss two different ways to bring about the crossover. One corresponds to a shift of the map into a2 n -band chaotic attractor and the other to a perturbation of the Feigenbaum attractor with additive noise. We recall that in the latter case we obtain the properties of glassy dynamics close to vitrification in structural glass formers. Finally, we comment briefly on the equivalent properties for the quasiperiodic onset of chaos and its application to the localization transition in incommensurate systems. In all cases we indicate that the critical dynamics is based on a set of Mori’s q-phase transitions and find that the value of q at each transition corresponds to the same special value for the entropic index q.

Multifractality of the Feigenbaum Attractor and Fractional Derivatives

It is shown that fractional derivatives of the (integrated) invariant measure of the Feigenbaum map at the onset of chaos have power-law tails in their cumulative distributions, whose exponents can be related to the spectrum of singularities $f(\alpha)$. This is a new way of characterizing multifractality in dynamical systems, so far applied only to multifractal random functions (Frisch and Matsumoto (J. Stat. Phys. 108:1181, 2002)). The relation between the thermodynamic approach (Vul, Sinai and Khanin (Russian Math. Surveys 39:1, 1984)) and that based on singularities of the invariant measures is also examined. The theory for fractional derivatives is developed from a heuristic point view and tested by very accurate simulations.

Temporal Scaling at Feigenbaum Points and Nonextensive Thermodynamics

We show that recent claims for the nonstationary behavior of the logistic map at the Feigenbaum point based on nonextensive thermodynamics are either incorrect or can be easily deduced from well-known properties of the Feigenbaum attractor. In particular, there is no generalized Pesin identity for this system, the existing attempts at proofs being based on misconceptions about basic notions of ergodic theory. In deriving several new scaling laws of the Feigenbaum attractor, thorough use is made of its detailed structure, but there is no obvious connection to nonextensive thermodynamics.

Hausdorff Dimension of Julia Sets of Feigenbaum Polynomials with High Criticality

We consider unimodal polynomials with Feigenbaum topological type and critical points whose orders tend to infinity. It is shown that the hyperbolic dimensions of their Julia set go to 2; furthermore, that the Hausdorff dimensions of the basins of attraction of their Feigenbaum attractors also tend to 2. The proof is based on constructing a limiting dynamics with a flat critical point.

Intermittency at critical transitions and aging dynamics at the onset of chaos

We recall that, at both the intermittency transitions and at the Feigenbaum attractor in unimodal maps of non-linearity of order $\zeta >1$, the dynamics rigorously obeys the Tsallis statistics. We account for the $q$-indices and the generalized Lyapunov coefficients $\lambda_{q}$ that characterize the universality classes of the pitchfork and tangent bifurcations. We identify the Mori singularities in the Lyapunov spectrum at the edge of chaos with the appearance of a special value for the entropic index $q$. The physical area of the Tsallis statistics is further probed by considering the dynamics near criticality and glass formation in thermal systems. In both cases a close connection is made with states in unimodal maps with vanishing Lyapunov coefficients.