Lectures on Nonlinear Dynamics: An Elementary Introduction

This textbook is based on lectures given by the outstanding scientist, educator, and science popularizer Yu.A. Danilov at the chemical faculty of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov, at the 'Nonlinear Days for the Young' at N.G. Chernyshevsky Saratov State University, at the National Research Nuclear University MEPhI, as well as at universities in Western Europe. The textbook provides a detailed explanation of discrete mappings and the theory of continuous systems, chaotic behavior, fractal theory and power laws, synergetics, and ergodic theory. The distinctive feature of the course is its specificity (bringing formulas to a form convenient for practical calculations) and precise presentation of the main concepts, usually given without definitions. The book is intended for students and postgraduates of physical, mathematical, biological, and chemical specialties, as well as for anyone interested in the current state of science on the behavior of complex systems of various natures (from physical to social, economic, etc.).