Civil Engineering Association

Stability Theory

The present book is compiled from the notes of lectures given by Professor
Parks in the winter semester 1979-SO when he was a guest Professor at the
Ruhr University in Bochum. These lectures were aimed at studenU of control
engineering with some knowledge of dynamical systems described by means
of differential equations. Although the stability of dynamical systems is
portrayed from a technical point of view, the book is also aimed at readers
with interests in dynamical processes in other technical fields, for example
biocybernetics, meteorology, etc. Apart from an understanding of the
description of dynamical processes, the book requires no previous knowledge
from its readers and is suitable as an introduction to the topic. On the other
hand, an overview of so many methods of stability analysis is given that it
is suitable as a 'reference book' for instant information about any particular
method. Additional value lies not only in the application of a particular method
but also in the description of its derivation and context. In this respect, the
book is a significant supplement to existing texts in the field of stability of
dynamic systems. I hope that this book will be of practical interest and will
provide the motivation for further application of the methods described.