CYCLE (Limit)
Charles François (2004). CYCLE (Limit), International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(1): 804.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 804 ▶ |
| Object type | Methodology or model |
A closed cycle characterized by the periodic repetition of given trajectories in a dynamically stable system.
Limit cycles were first described by H. POINCARÉ and are now known better known as cyclical attractors.
J. CRUTCHFIELD et al state that: “A limit cycle describes stable oscillations, such as the motion of a pendulum clock and the beating of a heart” (1989, p.42).
A stable limit cycle corresponds to a domain of attraction and, in topological models, to a basin.
A trajectory or system may leap out of its limit cycle (switching) under the impact of some strong perturbation. A recent example has been the destruction of comet SHUMAKER — LEVY 9, whose orbit was heavily perturbed by Jupiter.
See also
Limit cycle