Skip to main content

Mathematics (thesaurus)

Search from vocabulary

Concept information

Preferred term

bifurcation theory  

Definition

  • Bifurcation theory is the mathematical study of changes in the qualitative or topological structure of a given family of curves, such as the integral curves of a family of vector fields, and the solutions of a family of differential equations. Most commonly applied to the mathematical study of dynamical systems, a bifurcation occurs when a small smooth change made to the parameter values (the bifurcation parameters) of a system causes a sudden 'qualitative' or topological change in its behavior. Bifurcations occur in both continuous systems (described by ordinary, delay or partial differential equations) and discrete systems (described by maps).
    (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bifurcation_theory)

Broader concept

In other languages

URI

http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/PSR-D36FXPG9-G

Download this concept: