Author: Valery I. Klyatskin
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 008050485X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 211
Book Description
Fluctuating parameters appear in a variety of physical systems and phenomena. They typically come either as random forces/sources, or advecting velocities, or media (material) parameters, like refraction index, conductivity, diffusivity, etc. The well known example of Brownian particle suspended in fluid and subjected to random molecular bombardment laid the foundation for modern stochastic calculus and statistical physics. Other important examples include turbulent transport and diffusion of particle-tracers (pollutants), or continuous densities (''oil slicks''), wave propagation and scattering in randomly inhomogeneous media, for instance light or sound propagating in the turbulent atmosphere.Such models naturally render to statistical description, where the input parameters and solutions are expressed by random processes and fields.The fundamental problem of stochastic dynamics is to identify the essential characteristics of system (its state and evolution), and relate those to the input parameters of the system and initial data.This raises a host of challenging mathematical issues. One could rarely solve such systems exactly (or approximately) in a closed analytic form, and their solutions depend in a complicated implicit manner on the initial-boundary data, forcing and system's (media) parameters . In mathematical terms such solution becomes a complicated "nonlinear functional" of random fields and processes.Part I gives mathematical formulation for the basic physical models of transport, diffusion, propagation and develops some analytic tools.Part II sets up and applies the techniques of variational calculus and stochastic analysis, like Fokker-Plank equation to those models, to produce exact or approximate solutions, or in worst case numeric procedures. The exposition is motivated and demonstrated with numerous examples.Part III takes up issues for the coherent phenomena in stochastic dynamical systems, described by ordinary and partial differential equations, like wave propagation in randomly layered media (localization), turbulent advection of passive tracers (clustering).Each chapter is appended with problems the reader to solve by himself (herself), which will be a good training for independent investigations.·This book is translation from Russian and is completed with new principal results of recent research.·The book develops mathematical tools of stochastic analysis, and applies them to a wide range of physical models of particles, fluids, and waves.·Accessible to a broad audience with general background in mathematical physics, but no special expertise in stochastic analysis, wave propagation or turbulence
Dynamics of Stochastic Systems
Author: Valery I. Klyatskin
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 008050485X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 211
Book Description
Fluctuating parameters appear in a variety of physical systems and phenomena. They typically come either as random forces/sources, or advecting velocities, or media (material) parameters, like refraction index, conductivity, diffusivity, etc. The well known example of Brownian particle suspended in fluid and subjected to random molecular bombardment laid the foundation for modern stochastic calculus and statistical physics. Other important examples include turbulent transport and diffusion of particle-tracers (pollutants), or continuous densities (''oil slicks''), wave propagation and scattering in randomly inhomogeneous media, for instance light or sound propagating in the turbulent atmosphere.Such models naturally render to statistical description, where the input parameters and solutions are expressed by random processes and fields.The fundamental problem of stochastic dynamics is to identify the essential characteristics of system (its state and evolution), and relate those to the input parameters of the system and initial data.This raises a host of challenging mathematical issues. One could rarely solve such systems exactly (or approximately) in a closed analytic form, and their solutions depend in a complicated implicit manner on the initial-boundary data, forcing and system's (media) parameters . In mathematical terms such solution becomes a complicated "nonlinear functional" of random fields and processes.Part I gives mathematical formulation for the basic physical models of transport, diffusion, propagation and develops some analytic tools.Part II sets up and applies the techniques of variational calculus and stochastic analysis, like Fokker-Plank equation to those models, to produce exact or approximate solutions, or in worst case numeric procedures. The exposition is motivated and demonstrated with numerous examples.Part III takes up issues for the coherent phenomena in stochastic dynamical systems, described by ordinary and partial differential equations, like wave propagation in randomly layered media (localization), turbulent advection of passive tracers (clustering).Each chapter is appended with problems the reader to solve by himself (herself), which will be a good training for independent investigations.·This book is translation from Russian and is completed with new principal results of recent research.·The book develops mathematical tools of stochastic analysis, and applies them to a wide range of physical models of particles, fluids, and waves.·Accessible to a broad audience with general background in mathematical physics, but no special expertise in stochastic analysis, wave propagation or turbulence
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 008050485X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 211
Book Description
Fluctuating parameters appear in a variety of physical systems and phenomena. They typically come either as random forces/sources, or advecting velocities, or media (material) parameters, like refraction index, conductivity, diffusivity, etc. The well known example of Brownian particle suspended in fluid and subjected to random molecular bombardment laid the foundation for modern stochastic calculus and statistical physics. Other important examples include turbulent transport and diffusion of particle-tracers (pollutants), or continuous densities (''oil slicks''), wave propagation and scattering in randomly inhomogeneous media, for instance light or sound propagating in the turbulent atmosphere.Such models naturally render to statistical description, where the input parameters and solutions are expressed by random processes and fields.The fundamental problem of stochastic dynamics is to identify the essential characteristics of system (its state and evolution), and relate those to the input parameters of the system and initial data.This raises a host of challenging mathematical issues. One could rarely solve such systems exactly (or approximately) in a closed analytic form, and their solutions depend in a complicated implicit manner on the initial-boundary data, forcing and system's (media) parameters . In mathematical terms such solution becomes a complicated "nonlinear functional" of random fields and processes.Part I gives mathematical formulation for the basic physical models of transport, diffusion, propagation and develops some analytic tools.Part II sets up and applies the techniques of variational calculus and stochastic analysis, like Fokker-Plank equation to those models, to produce exact or approximate solutions, or in worst case numeric procedures. The exposition is motivated and demonstrated with numerous examples.Part III takes up issues for the coherent phenomena in stochastic dynamical systems, described by ordinary and partial differential equations, like wave propagation in randomly layered media (localization), turbulent advection of passive tracers (clustering).Each chapter is appended with problems the reader to solve by himself (herself), which will be a good training for independent investigations.·This book is translation from Russian and is completed with new principal results of recent research.·The book develops mathematical tools of stochastic analysis, and applies them to a wide range of physical models of particles, fluids, and waves.·Accessible to a broad audience with general background in mathematical physics, but no special expertise in stochastic analysis, wave propagation or turbulence
Stochastic Dynamics of Structures
Author: Jie Li
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470824255
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 426
Book Description
In Stochastic Dynamics of Structures, Li and Chen present a unified view of the theory and techniques for stochastic dynamics analysis, prediction of reliability, and system control of structures within the innovative theoretical framework of physical stochastic systems. The authors outline the fundamental concepts of random variables, stochastic process and random field, and orthogonal expansion of random functions. Readers will gain insight into core concepts such as stochastic process models for typical dynamic excitations of structures, stochastic finite element, and random vibration analysis. Li and Chen also cover advanced topics, including the theory of and elaborate numerical methods for probability density evolution analysis of stochastic dynamical systems, reliability-based design, and performance control of structures. Stochastic Dynamics of Structures presents techniques for researchers and graduate students in a wide variety of engineering fields: civil engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace and aeronautics, marine and offshore engineering, ship engineering, and applied mechanics. Practicing engineers will benefit from the concise review of random vibration theory and the new methods introduced in the later chapters. "The book is a valuable contribution to the continuing development of the field of stochastic structural dynamics, including the recent discoveries and developments by the authors of the probability density evolution method (PDEM) and its applications to the assessment of the dynamic reliability and control of complex structures through the equivalent extreme-value distribution." —A. H-S. Ang, NAE, Hon. Mem. ASCE, Research Professor, University of California, Irvine, USA "The authors have made a concerted effort to present a responsible and even holistic account of modern stochastic dynamics. Beyond the traditional concepts, they also discuss theoretical tools of recent currency such as the Karhunen-Loeve expansion, evolutionary power spectra, etc. The theoretical developments are properly supplemented by examples from earthquake, wind, and ocean engineering. The book is integrated by also comprising several useful appendices, and an exhaustive list of references; it will be an indispensable tool for students, researchers, and practitioners endeavoring in its thematic field." —Pol Spanos, NAE, Ryon Chair in Engineering, Rice University, Houston, USA
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470824255
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 426
Book Description
In Stochastic Dynamics of Structures, Li and Chen present a unified view of the theory and techniques for stochastic dynamics analysis, prediction of reliability, and system control of structures within the innovative theoretical framework of physical stochastic systems. The authors outline the fundamental concepts of random variables, stochastic process and random field, and orthogonal expansion of random functions. Readers will gain insight into core concepts such as stochastic process models for typical dynamic excitations of structures, stochastic finite element, and random vibration analysis. Li and Chen also cover advanced topics, including the theory of and elaborate numerical methods for probability density evolution analysis of stochastic dynamical systems, reliability-based design, and performance control of structures. Stochastic Dynamics of Structures presents techniques for researchers and graduate students in a wide variety of engineering fields: civil engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace and aeronautics, marine and offshore engineering, ship engineering, and applied mechanics. Practicing engineers will benefit from the concise review of random vibration theory and the new methods introduced in the later chapters. "The book is a valuable contribution to the continuing development of the field of stochastic structural dynamics, including the recent discoveries and developments by the authors of the probability density evolution method (PDEM) and its applications to the assessment of the dynamic reliability and control of complex structures through the equivalent extreme-value distribution." —A. H-S. Ang, NAE, Hon. Mem. ASCE, Research Professor, University of California, Irvine, USA "The authors have made a concerted effort to present a responsible and even holistic account of modern stochastic dynamics. Beyond the traditional concepts, they also discuss theoretical tools of recent currency such as the Karhunen-Loeve expansion, evolutionary power spectra, etc. The theoretical developments are properly supplemented by examples from earthquake, wind, and ocean engineering. The book is integrated by also comprising several useful appendices, and an exhaustive list of references; it will be an indispensable tool for students, researchers, and practitioners endeavoring in its thematic field." —Pol Spanos, NAE, Ryon Chair in Engineering, Rice University, Houston, USA
Nonlinear Dynamics of Chaotic and Stochastic Systems
Author: Vadim S. Anishchenko
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3540381686
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 463
Book Description
We present an improved and enlarged version of our book Nonlinear - namics of Chaotic and Stochastic Systems published by Springer in 2002. Basically, the new edition of the book corresponds to its ?rst version. While preparingthiseditionwemadesomeclari?cationsinseveralsectionsandalso corrected the misprints noticed in some formulas. Besides, three new sections have been added to Chapter 2. They are “Statistical Properties of Dynamical Chaos,” “E?ects of Synchronization in Extended Self-Sustained Oscillatory Systems,” and “Synchronization in Living Systems.” The sections indicated re?ect the most interesting results obtained by the authors after publication of the ?rst edition. We hope that the new edition of the book will be of great interest for a widesectionofreaderswhoarealreadyspecialistsorthosewhoarebeginning research in the ?elds of nonlinear oscillation and wave theory, dynamical chaos, synchronization, and stochastic process theory. Saratov, Berlin, and St. Louis V.S. Anishchenko November 2006 A.B. Neiman T.E. Vadiavasova V.V. Astakhov L. Schimansky-Geier Preface to the First Edition Thisbookisdevotedtotheclassicalbackgroundandtocontemporaryresults on nonlinear dynamics of deterministic and stochastic systems. Considerable attentionisgiventothee?ectsofnoiseonvariousregimesofdynamicsystems with noise-induced order. On the one hand, there exists a rich literature of excellent books on n- linear dynamics and chaos; on the other hand, there are many marvelous monographs and textbooks on the statistical physics of far-from-equilibrium andstochasticprocesses.Thisbookisanattempttocombinetheapproachof nonlinear dynamics based on the deterministic evolution equations with the approach of statistical physics based on stochastic or kinetic equations. One of our main aims is to show the important role of noise in the organization and properties of dynamic regimes of nonlinear dissipative systems.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 3540381686
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 463
Book Description
We present an improved and enlarged version of our book Nonlinear - namics of Chaotic and Stochastic Systems published by Springer in 2002. Basically, the new edition of the book corresponds to its ?rst version. While preparingthiseditionwemadesomeclari?cationsinseveralsectionsandalso corrected the misprints noticed in some formulas. Besides, three new sections have been added to Chapter 2. They are “Statistical Properties of Dynamical Chaos,” “E?ects of Synchronization in Extended Self-Sustained Oscillatory Systems,” and “Synchronization in Living Systems.” The sections indicated re?ect the most interesting results obtained by the authors after publication of the ?rst edition. We hope that the new edition of the book will be of great interest for a widesectionofreaderswhoarealreadyspecialistsorthosewhoarebeginning research in the ?elds of nonlinear oscillation and wave theory, dynamical chaos, synchronization, and stochastic process theory. Saratov, Berlin, and St. Louis V.S. Anishchenko November 2006 A.B. Neiman T.E. Vadiavasova V.V. Astakhov L. Schimansky-Geier Preface to the First Edition Thisbookisdevotedtotheclassicalbackgroundandtocontemporaryresults on nonlinear dynamics of deterministic and stochastic systems. Considerable attentionisgiventothee?ectsofnoiseonvariousregimesofdynamicsystems with noise-induced order. On the one hand, there exists a rich literature of excellent books on n- linear dynamics and chaos; on the other hand, there are many marvelous monographs and textbooks on the statistical physics of far-from-equilibrium andstochasticprocesses.Thisbookisanattempttocombinetheapproachof nonlinear dynamics based on the deterministic evolution equations with the approach of statistical physics based on stochastic or kinetic equations. One of our main aims is to show the important role of noise in the organization and properties of dynamic regimes of nonlinear dissipative systems.
Elements Of Stochastic Dynamics
Author: Guo-qiang Cai
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company
ISBN: 9814723347
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 552
Book Description
Stochastic dynamics has been a subject of interest since the early 20th Century. Since then, much progress has been made in this field of study, and many modern applications for it have been found in fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, ecology, economy, finance, and many branches of engineering including Mechanical, Ocean, Civil, Bio, and Earthquake Engineering.Elements of Stochastic Dynamics aims to meet the growing need to understand and master the subject by introducing fundamentals to researchers who want to explore stochastic dynamics in their fields and serving as a textbook for graduate students in various areas involving stochastic uncertainties. All topics within are presented from an application approach, and may thus be more appealing to users without a background in pure Mathematics. The book describes the basic concepts and theories of random variables and stochastic processes in detail; provides various solution procedures for systems subjected to stochastic excitations; introduces stochastic stability and bifurcation; and explores failures of stochastic systems. The book also incorporates some latest research results in modeling stochastic processes; in reducing the system degrees of freedom; and in solving nonlinear problems. The book also provides numerical simulation procedures of widely-used random variables and stochastic processes.A large number of exercise problems are included in the book to aid the understanding of the concepts and theories, and may be used for as course homework.
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company
ISBN: 9814723347
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 552
Book Description
Stochastic dynamics has been a subject of interest since the early 20th Century. Since then, much progress has been made in this field of study, and many modern applications for it have been found in fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, ecology, economy, finance, and many branches of engineering including Mechanical, Ocean, Civil, Bio, and Earthquake Engineering.Elements of Stochastic Dynamics aims to meet the growing need to understand and master the subject by introducing fundamentals to researchers who want to explore stochastic dynamics in their fields and serving as a textbook for graduate students in various areas involving stochastic uncertainties. All topics within are presented from an application approach, and may thus be more appealing to users without a background in pure Mathematics. The book describes the basic concepts and theories of random variables and stochastic processes in detail; provides various solution procedures for systems subjected to stochastic excitations; introduces stochastic stability and bifurcation; and explores failures of stochastic systems. The book also incorporates some latest research results in modeling stochastic processes; in reducing the system degrees of freedom; and in solving nonlinear problems. The book also provides numerical simulation procedures of widely-used random variables and stochastic processes.A large number of exercise problems are included in the book to aid the understanding of the concepts and theories, and may be used for as course homework.
Stochastic Dynamics and Control
Author: Jian-Qiao Sun
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080463983
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 427
Book Description
This book is a result of many years of author's research and teaching on random vibration and control. It was used as lecture notes for a graduate course. It provides a systematic review of theory of probability, stochastic processes, and stochastic calculus. The feedback control is also reviewed in the book. Random vibration analyses of SDOF, MDOF and continuous structural systems are presented in a pedagogical order. The application of the random vibration theory to reliability and fatigue analysis is also discussed. Recent research results on fatigue analysis of non-Gaussian stress processes are also presented. Classical feedback control, active damping, covariance control, optimal control, sliding control of stochastic systems, feedback control of stochastic time-delayed systems, and probability density tracking control are studied. Many control results are new in the literature and included in this book for the first time. The book serves as a reference to the engineers who design and maintain structures subject to harsh random excitations including earthquakes, sea waves, wind gusts, and aerodynamic forces, and would like to reduce the damages of structural systems due to random excitations.· Comprehensive review of probability theory, and stochastic processes· Random vibrations· Structural reliability and fatigue, Non-Gaussian fatigue· Monte Carlo methods· Stochastic calculus and engineering applications· Stochastic feedback controls and optimal controls· Stochastic sliding mode controls· Feedback control of stochastic time-delayed systems· Probability density tracking control
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080463983
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 427
Book Description
This book is a result of many years of author's research and teaching on random vibration and control. It was used as lecture notes for a graduate course. It provides a systematic review of theory of probability, stochastic processes, and stochastic calculus. The feedback control is also reviewed in the book. Random vibration analyses of SDOF, MDOF and continuous structural systems are presented in a pedagogical order. The application of the random vibration theory to reliability and fatigue analysis is also discussed. Recent research results on fatigue analysis of non-Gaussian stress processes are also presented. Classical feedback control, active damping, covariance control, optimal control, sliding control of stochastic systems, feedback control of stochastic time-delayed systems, and probability density tracking control are studied. Many control results are new in the literature and included in this book for the first time. The book serves as a reference to the engineers who design and maintain structures subject to harsh random excitations including earthquakes, sea waves, wind gusts, and aerodynamic forces, and would like to reduce the damages of structural systems due to random excitations.· Comprehensive review of probability theory, and stochastic processes· Random vibrations· Structural reliability and fatigue, Non-Gaussian fatigue· Monte Carlo methods· Stochastic calculus and engineering applications· Stochastic feedback controls and optimal controls· Stochastic sliding mode controls· Feedback control of stochastic time-delayed systems· Probability density tracking control
Stochastic Dynamical Systems
Author: Josef Honerkamp
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 9780471188346
Category : Mathematics
Languages : de
Pages : 558
Book Description
This unique volume introduces the reader to the mathematical language for complex systems and is ideal for students who are starting out in the study of stochastical dynamical systems. Unlike other books in the field it covers a broad array of stochastic and statistical methods.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 9780471188346
Category : Mathematics
Languages : de
Pages : 558
Book Description
This unique volume introduces the reader to the mathematical language for complex systems and is ideal for students who are starting out in the study of stochastical dynamical systems. Unlike other books in the field it covers a broad array of stochastic and statistical methods.
Stochastic Dynamics
Author: Hans Crauel
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387226559
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 457
Book Description
Focusing on the mathematical description of stochastic dynamics in discrete as well as in continuous time, this book investigates such dynamical phenomena as perturbations, bifurcations and chaos. It also introduces new ideas for the exploration of infinite dimensional systems, in particular stochastic partial differential equations. Example applications are presented from biology, chemistry and engineering, while describing numerical treatments of stochastic systems.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 0387226559
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 457
Book Description
Focusing on the mathematical description of stochastic dynamics in discrete as well as in continuous time, this book investigates such dynamical phenomena as perturbations, bifurcations and chaos. It also introduces new ideas for the exploration of infinite dimensional systems, in particular stochastic partial differential equations. Example applications are presented from biology, chemistry and engineering, while describing numerical treatments of stochastic systems.
An Introduction to Stochastic Dynamics
Author: Jinqiao Duan
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1107075394
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 313
Book Description
An accessible introduction for applied mathematicians to concepts and techniques for describing, quantifying, and understanding dynamics under uncertainty.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1107075394
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 313
Book Description
An accessible introduction for applied mathematicians to concepts and techniques for describing, quantifying, and understanding dynamics under uncertainty.
Effective Dynamics of Stochastic Partial Differential Equations
Author: Jinqiao Duan
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0128012692
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 283
Book Description
Effective Dynamics of Stochastic Partial Differential Equations focuses on stochastic partial differential equations with slow and fast time scales, or large and small spatial scales. The authors have developed basic techniques, such as averaging, slow manifolds, and homogenization, to extract effective dynamics from these stochastic partial differential equations. The authors' experience both as researchers and teachers enable them to convert current research on extracting effective dynamics of stochastic partial differential equations into concise and comprehensive chapters. The book helps readers by providing an accessible introduction to probability tools in Hilbert space and basics of stochastic partial differential equations. Each chapter also includes exercises and problems to enhance comprehension. - New techniques for extracting effective dynamics of infinite dimensional dynamical systems under uncertainty - Accessible introduction to probability tools in Hilbert space and basics of stochastic partial differential equations - Solutions or hints to all Exercises
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0128012692
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 283
Book Description
Effective Dynamics of Stochastic Partial Differential Equations focuses on stochastic partial differential equations with slow and fast time scales, or large and small spatial scales. The authors have developed basic techniques, such as averaging, slow manifolds, and homogenization, to extract effective dynamics from these stochastic partial differential equations. The authors' experience both as researchers and teachers enable them to convert current research on extracting effective dynamics of stochastic partial differential equations into concise and comprehensive chapters. The book helps readers by providing an accessible introduction to probability tools in Hilbert space and basics of stochastic partial differential equations. Each chapter also includes exercises and problems to enhance comprehension. - New techniques for extracting effective dynamics of infinite dimensional dynamical systems under uncertainty - Accessible introduction to probability tools in Hilbert space and basics of stochastic partial differential equations - Solutions or hints to all Exercises
Stochastic Dynamics Of Complex Systems: From Glasses To Evolution
Author: Henrik Jeldtoft Jensen
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company
ISBN: 1848169957
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 300
Book Description
Dynamical evolution over long time scales is a prominent feature of all the systems we intuitively think of as complex — for example, ecosystems, the brain or the economy. In physics, the term ageing is used for this type of slow change, occurring over time scales much longer than the patience, or indeed the lifetime, of the observer. The main focus of this book is on the stochastic processes which cause ageing, and the surprising fact that the ageing dynamics of systems which are very different at the microscopic level can be treated in similar ways.The first part of this book provides the necessary mathematical and computational tools and the second part describes the intuition needed to deal with these systems. Some of the first few chapters have been covered in several other books, but the emphasis and selection of the topics reflect both the authors' interests and the overall theme of the book. The second part contains an introduction to the scientific literature and deals in some detail with the description of complex phenomena of a physical and biological nature, for example, disordered magnetic materials, superconductors and glasses, models of co-evolution in ecosystems and even of ant behaviour. These heterogeneous topics are all dealt with in detail using similar analytical techniques.This book emphasizes the unity of complex dynamics and provides the tools needed to treat a large number of complex systems of current interest. The ideas and the approach to complex dynamics it presents have not appeared in book form until now./a
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company
ISBN: 1848169957
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 300
Book Description
Dynamical evolution over long time scales is a prominent feature of all the systems we intuitively think of as complex — for example, ecosystems, the brain or the economy. In physics, the term ageing is used for this type of slow change, occurring over time scales much longer than the patience, or indeed the lifetime, of the observer. The main focus of this book is on the stochastic processes which cause ageing, and the surprising fact that the ageing dynamics of systems which are very different at the microscopic level can be treated in similar ways.The first part of this book provides the necessary mathematical and computational tools and the second part describes the intuition needed to deal with these systems. Some of the first few chapters have been covered in several other books, but the emphasis and selection of the topics reflect both the authors' interests and the overall theme of the book. The second part contains an introduction to the scientific literature and deals in some detail with the description of complex phenomena of a physical and biological nature, for example, disordered magnetic materials, superconductors and glasses, models of co-evolution in ecosystems and even of ant behaviour. These heterogeneous topics are all dealt with in detail using similar analytical techniques.This book emphasizes the unity of complex dynamics and provides the tools needed to treat a large number of complex systems of current interest. The ideas and the approach to complex dynamics it presents have not appeared in book form until now./a