General relativistic chaos and nonlinear dynamics

Abstract

We describe how new ideas in dynamical systems theory find application in the description of general relativistic systems. The concept of dynamical entropy is explained and the associated invariant evaluated for the Mixmaster cosmological model. The description of cosmological models as measure preserving dynamical systems leads to a number of interconnections with new ideas in non-linear dynamics. This may provide a new avenue of approach to ascertaining the nature of the general solution to Einstein's equations. © 1982 Plenum Publishing Corporation.