Sequential Dynamical Systems (SDS) are a class of discrete dynamical systems which significantly generalize many aspects of systems such as cellular automata, and provide a framework for studying dynamical processes over graphs.

This text is the first to provide a comprehensive introduction to SDS. Driven by numerous examples and thought-provoking problems, the presentation offers good foundational material on finite discrete dynamical systems which leads systematically to an introduction of SDS. Techniques from combinatorics, algebra and graph theory are used to study a broad range of topics, including reversibility, the structure of fixed points and periodic orbits, equivalence, morphisms and reduction. Unlike other books that concentrate on determining the structure of various networks, this book investigates the dynamics over these networks by focusing on how the underlying graph structure influences the properties of the associated dynamical system.

This book is aimed at graduate students and researchers in discrete mathematics, dynamical systems theory, theoretical computer science, and systems engineering who are interested in analysis and modeling of network dynamics as well as their computer simulations. Prerequisites include knowledge of calculus and basic discrete mathematics. Some computer experience and familiarity with elementary differential equations and dynamical systems are helpful but not necessary.

Klappentext

This introductory text to the class of Sequential Dynamical Systems (SDS) is the first textbook on this timely subject. Driven by numerous examples and thought-provoking problems throughout, the presentation offers good foundational material on finite discrete dynamical systems, which then leads systematically to an introduction of SDS. From a broad range of topics on structure theory - equivalence, fixed points, invertibility and other phase space properties - thereafter SDS relations to graph theory, classical dynamical systems as well as SDS applications in computer science are explored. This is a versatile interdisciplinary textbook.

Inhalt

What is a Sequential Dynamical System?.- A Comparative Study.- Graphs, Groups, and Dynamical Systems.- Sequential Dynamical Systems over Permutations.- Phase-Space Structure of SDS and Special Systems.- Graphs, Groups, and SDS.- Combinatorics of Sequential Dynamical Systems over Words.- Outlook.