For the many different deterministic non-linear dynamic systems (physical, mechanical, technical, chemical, ecological, economic, and civil and structural engineering), the discovery of irregular vibrations in addition to periodic and almost periodic vibrations is one of the most significant achievements of modern science. An in-depth study of the theory and application of non-linear science will certainly change one''s perception of numerous non-linear phenomena and laws considerably, together with its great effects on many areas of application. As the important subject matter of non-linear science, bifurcation theory, singularity theory and chaos theory have developed rapidly in the past two or three decades. They are now advancing vigorously in their applications to mathematics, physics, mechanics and many technical areas worldwide, and they will be the main subjects of our concern. This book is concerned with applications of the methods of dynamic systems and subharmonic bifurcation theory in the study of non-linear dynamics in engineering. It has grown out of the class notes for graduate courses on bifurcation theory, chaos and application theory of non-linear dynamic systems, supplemented with our latest results of scientific research and materials from literature in this field. The bifurcation and chaotic vibration of deterministic non-linear dynamic systems are studied from the viewpoint of non-linear vibration.
