Nonlinear Dynamics
The study of physical systems governed by non-linear equations where output changes are not directly proportional to input changes.
Governing formula
d x / dt = f(x) (where f is non-linear)
SI unit
Phase Space Dynamics
In depth
Non-linear systems violate superposition. They exhibit complex phenomena including bifurcations, limit cycles, solitons, chaos, and self-organization that cannot be solved by simple linear superposition techniques.
Examples in the real world
Soliton wave propagation in optical fibers and non-linear fluid turbulence in hydrodynamics.