Strange Attractors

• Limit set as t ? ?

• Set of measure zero

• Basin of attraction

• Fractal structure

  • non-integer dimension
  • self-similarity
  • infinite detail

• Chaotic dynamics

  • sensitivity to initial conditions
  • topological transitivity
  • dense periodic orbits

• Aesthetic appeal

Previous slide

Next slide

Back to first slide

View graphic version

Occur in infinite variety (like snowflakes)

Produced many millions, looked at over 100,000

New cases, never seen before

Complex patterns from simple dynamics