Description:
Models for physical systems and engineering designs are often formulated in the mathematical language of systems of differential equations. To analyse the behaviour of such a system, a basic knowledge in the theory of dynamical systems is highly recommended. While linear algebra methods (decomposition of matrices) suffice to understand and even to solve systems of linear differential equations, it is in general impossible to find formulas for the solutions of nonlinear differential equations. Instead, one uses geometry based methods to obtain qualitative information about the behaviour of the solutions. Some of the catch words are: Critical points, equilibria, periodicity, invariant sets and manifolds, stability theory (Lyapunov and Poincaré), perturbations and bifurcations, chaos and attractors.
The course will be based on lectures, exercises, and on computer experiments in computer algebra systems like MAPLE (or interactive web-based solvers). It is addressed to PhD-students interested in physical modelling and stability questions related to dynamical processes. It should be of interest to students within control theory, medical electronics, signal processing, mechanical and civil engineering, physics and mathematics.
Prerequisites: A basic knowledge of mathematics, as obtained through engineering studies at Aalborg University.

Organizer: Lisbeth Fajstrup, Associate Professor, email: fajstrup@math.aau.dk

Lecturers: Lisbeth Fajstrup, Associate Professor, Martin Raussen, Associate Professor and Professor Rafael Wisniewski

ECTS: 3

Time: 9, 11, 13,17 and 19 November 2015, all days 9:00-16:00

Place: Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7G/5 room 109

Zip code: 9220

City: Aalborg

Number of seats: 40

Deadline: 19 October