With emphasis on stochastic aspects of deterministic systems this short book introduces the reader to the basic facts and some special topics of applied ergodic theory. It adresses advanced undergraduate and graduate students from various disciplines, i.e. mathematicians, physicists, electrical and mechanical engineers. Based upon a sound (but non-technical) mathematical introduction, a number of typical examples from applications (mostly from mechanics) are thoroughly discussed. By studying both probabilistic and deterministic features of dynamical systems the reader will develop what might be considered a unified view on chaos and chance as two sides of the same thing.

Autorentext

Arno Berger is a Lecturer in Mathematics at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. He has held positions in Austria, Germany, Great Britain and the United States.

Inhalt
Introduction Basic aspects of discrete dynamical systems Ergodic theory I - Foundations Ergodic theory II - Applications The dynamical evolution of measures