The Dynamics of Toys

Many mechanical toys display compelling and subtle dynamical properties. This article includes both modeling and experimental data for two classical examples: The drinking bird, and the balancing stick.

Dynamical Systems and Climate: Opportunities for Involvement

Mary Lou Zeeman describes the state of dynamical systems activities and opportunities in the field of Climate dynamics and modeling. This article is a follow up to Zeeman's May 2008 article Climate Math in San Diego.

Sensor Networks, Algebraic Topology, and Dynamics

Robert Ghrist gives an overview of how algebraic topology and dynamical systems are being applied to the engineering problem of sensor placement and data collection. Ghrist's work in this field with collaborator Vin de Silva, Pomona College earned them a 2007 SciAm 50 award, Scientific American's list of the fifty most important advancements in technology and innovation.

Cultural and culinary delights with AUTO

Eusebius Doedel is famous in dynamical systems as the man behind the software package AUTO. He is (almost) equally well known for his many travels and his love for good wine and good food, not to mention a good cigar! Hinke Osinga asked him how he managed to satisfy his appetite for foreign cultures and travel during his academic career at Concordia University, where he has worked since 1979.

Viscosity movie: a big hit on YouTube

In 2003, Robert Deegan, Florian Merkt, and Harry Swinney created a research video on holes and fingering in a vibrating particulate suspension. Deegan describes the process by which this became popular YouTube, with over 1.5 million hits and many imitators.