Three-dimensional gravity-capillary steady waves on water of finite-depth, which are uniformly translating in a horizontal propagation direction and periodic in a transverse direction, are considered. The exact Euler equations are formulated as a spatial dynamic system in which the variable used for the propagating direction is the time-like variable. The existence of the solutions of the system is determined by two non-dimensional constants: the Bond number b and λ (the inverse of the square of the Froude number). The property of Sobolev spaces and the spectral analysis show that the spectrum of the linear part consists of isolated eigenvalues of finite algebraic multiplicity and the number of purely imaginary eigenvalues are finite. The distribution of eigenvalues is described by b and λ. Assume that C₁ is the curve in (b,λ)-plane on which the first two eigenvalues for three-dimensional waves collide at the imaginary axis, and that the intersection point of the curve C₁ with the line λ=1 is (b₀,1) where b₀>0. Two cases (b₀,1) and (b,λ) â C₁ where 0< b< b₀ are investigated. A center-manifold reduction technique and a normal form analysis are applied to show that for each case the dynamical system can be reduced to a system of ordinary differential equations with finite dimensions. The dominant system for the case (b₀,1) is coupled Schrödinger-KdV equations while it is a Schrödinger equation for another case (b,λ) â C₁. Then, from the existence of the homoclinic orbit connecting to the two-dimensional periodic solution (called generalized solitary wave) for the dominant system, it is obtained that such generalized solitary wave solution persists for the original system by using the perturbation method and adjusting some appropriate constants. / Ph. D.

Signalverarbeitung im Nervensystem hängt sowohl von der Netzwerkstruktur, als auch den zellulären Eigenschaften der Nervenzellen ab. In dieser Abhandlung werden zwei zelluläre Eigenschaften im Hinblick auf ihre funktionellen Anpassungsmöglichkeiten untersucht: Es wird gezeigt, dass neuronale Morphologie die Signalweiterleitung unter Berücksichtigung energetischer Beschränkungen verstärken kann, und dass selbst kleine Änderungen in biophysikalischen Parametern die Aktivierungsbifurkation in Nervenzellen, und damit deren Informationskodierung, wechseln können. Im ersten Teil dieser Abhandlung wird, unter Verwendung von mathematischen Modellen und Daten, die Hypothese aufgestellt, dass Energie-effiziente Signalweiterleitung als starker Evolutionsdruck für unterschiedliche Zellkörperlagen bei Nervenzellen wirkt. Um Energie zu sparen, kann die Signalweiterleitung vom Dendrit zum Axon verstärkt werden, indem relativ kleine Zellkörper zwischen Dendrit und Axon eingebaut werden, während relativ große Zellkörper besser ausgelagert werden. Im zweiten Teil wird gezeigt, dass biophysikalische Parameter, wie Temperatur, Membranwiderstand oder Kapazität, den Feuermechanismus des Neurons ändern, und damit gleichfalls Aktionspotential-basierte Informationsverarbeitung. Diese Arbeit identifiziert die sogenannte "saddle-node-loop" (Sattel-Knoten-Schlaufe) Bifurkation als den Übergang, der besonders drastische funktionale Auswirkungen hat. Neben der Änderung neuronaler Filtereigenschaften sowie der Ankopplung an Stimuli, führt die "saddle-node-loop" Bifurkation zu einer Erhöhung der Netzwerk-Synchronisation, was möglicherweise für das Auslösen von Anfällen durch Temperatur, wie bei Fieberkrämpfen, interessant sein könnte. / Signal processing in nervous systems is shaped by the connectome as well as the cellular properties of nerve cells. In this thesis, two cellular properties are investigated with respect to the functional adaptations they provide: It is shown that neuronal morphology can improve signal transmission under energetic constraints, and that even small changes in biophysical parameters can switch spike generation, and thus information encoding. In the first project of the thesis, mathematical modeling and data are deployed to suggest energy-efficient signaling as a major evolutionary pressure behind morphological adaptations of cell body location: In order to save energy, the electrical signal transmission from dendrite to axon can be enhanced if a relatively small cell body is located between dendrite and axon, while a relatively large cell body should be externalized. In the second project, it is shown that biophysical parameters, such as temperature, membrane leak or capacitance, can transform neuronal excitability (i.e., the spike onset bifurcation) and, with that, spike-based information processing. This thesis identifies the so-called saddle-node-loop bifurcation as the transition with particularly drastic functional implications. Besides altering neuronal filters and stimulus locking, the saddle-node-loop bifurcation leads to an increase in network synchronization, which may potentially be relevant for the initiation of seizures in response to increased temperature, such as during fever cramps.

Inicialmente, consideramos o mapa Logístico com os vários fenômenos nele presentes, para depois, ao perturbarmos esse mapa, adicionando periodicamente um termo de amplitude constante, identificarmos os novos fenômenos e as alterações que a introdução da perturbação faz aparecer. Apresentamos o circuito eletrônico de Matsumoto e, em seguida, o consideramos em um regime caótico perturbado por uma tensão elétrica senoidal externa. A introdução desta perturbação faz o circuito permanecer caótico, tornar-se periódico ou quasi-periódico no toro de duas frequências. Aplicamos diversos métodos de controle de caos a três sistemas (mapa Logístico, mapa de Hénon e circuito de Matsumoto). Para a estabilização de uma órbita periódica, consideramos os métodos de Ott-Grebogi-Yorke (OGY), de Romeiras, de Pyragas, de Sinha, de Singer e de H¨ubbler. Para o direcionamento da trajetória para um ponto de equilíbrio, usamos o método de Sinha. Para a transferência da trajetória para um dos atratores coexistentes no sistema de Matsumoto, usamos o método de Jackson-H¨ubbler (OPCL). Usando um conjunto de pertubações constantes em um parâmetro previamente escolhido, mostramos como é possével dirigir rapidamente uma trajetória, de qualquer um dos três sistemas considerados nesta tese, para um determinado alvo. Além disso, é mostrado como esse método pode ser aplicado experimentalmente. / Initially, we consider the Logistic map with its many non-linear phenomena. Then, we use this knowledge to discern new phenomena that shall appear when the map is perturbed, that is the Logistic map perturbed by a periodic and constant term. The Matsumoto\'s circuit is presented and, after we set this circuit to behave chaotically, we perturb it with a sinoidal wave, characterized by its frequency and amplitude. This perturbation is responsible for the appearence of a quasi-periodic and periodic oscillations, or the maintenance of chaos. We presented and applied many methods for controlling chaotic oscillations in three systems (the Logistic and Henon maps, and the Matsumoto\'s circuit), showing many ways for stabilizing a periodic orbit, using the methods of Ott-Grebogi-York (OGY), Romeiras, Singer, Sinhas and Huebbler. For targeting the trajectory to a equilibrium point, the Sinha\'s method was used. To transfer the system trajectory from one to another of the coexisting attractors presented in the Matsumoto\'s circuit, we use the Jackson-Huebbler (OPCL) method. Using a set of constant perturbations, in a previously chosen parameter, we showed how we can rapidly direct a trajectory of any of the considered three systems to a aimed target. Besides, it is shown how this method can be experimentally applied.

Montamos um aparato experimental para o estudo de comportamentos complexos na dinâmica de formação de gotas d\'água no bico de uma torneira. Desenvolvemos um sistema hidráulico em circuito fechado, e um sistema de aquisição de dados automatizado, que também controla a abertura da torneira (uma válvula de agulha). Utilizamos como parâmetro de controle a taxa de gotejamento estabelecida pela abertura da torneira. Os dados são séries de tempos {T n} entre gotas sucessivas para cada taxa de gotejamento. Utilizando diagramas de bifurcação, e reconstruções do espaço de fase com mapas de primeiro retomo Tn+1 x Tn , observamos duplicações de período, bifurcação de Hopf, crises interiores e de fronteira, comportamentos intermitentes, e movimentos quase-periódicos. Aplicamos anticontrole de caos, desestabilizando um ponto fixo estável com pulsos de ar comprimido sobre o bico da torneira. Também iniciamos o desenvolvimento de uma técnica para o controle de caos. Verificamos a existência de pontos de sela em vários atratores experimentais e, com a aplicação de dinâmica simbólica, observamos tangências homoclínicas associadas ao aparecimento de atratores de Hénon e bifurcações homoclínicas. Utilizando métodos de caracterização topológica, estabelecemos duas rotas para o caos envolvendo tangências homoclínicas, e mostramos que o súbito desaparecimento de um atrator caótico, em altas taxas de vazão, é devido a uma \"chaotic blue sky catastrophe\", apenas observada anteriormente num modelo de equações usadas por Van der Pol para simular a dinâmica cardíaca. / We assembled an experimental apparatus to study the dynamical complex behavior of water drop formation in a nipple faucet. We developed a closed hydrodynamic circuitry, and an automated acquisition data system, which also controls the faucet (a needle valve) opening. We have used as a control parameter the dripping rate set up by the faucet opening. For each dripping rate, the data are interdrop time series {Tn} between two successive drops. With the help of bifurcation diagrams, and reconstructed phase spaces in first return maps Tn+I x Tn, we were able to observe period doubling, Hopf bifurcation, interior and boundary crises, intermittent behaviors, and quasiperiodic movements. An anti-control of chaos was applied by perturbing a stable fixed point with pulses of compressed air on the nipple faucet. We also started the development of a technique to apply the control of chaos. The occurrence of saddle points was verified in some experimental attractors. By applying symbolic dynamics, we were able to observe homoclinic tangencies associated with the appearence of Hénon-like attractors and homoclinic bifurcations. By means of topological characterization, we established two routes to chaos related to homoclinic tangencies. We also observed, at high dripping rates, a sudden disappearance of a chaotic attractor due to a \"chaotic blue sky catastrophe\", just seen in a Van der Pol model used to simulate cardiac dynamics.

Montamos um aparato experimental para o estudo de comportamentos complexos na dinâmica de formação de gotas d\'água no bico de uma torneira. Desenvolvemos um sistema hidráulico em circuito fechado, e um sistema de aquisição de dados automatizado, que também controla a abertura da torneira (uma válvula de agulha). Utilizamos como parâmetro de controle a taxa de gotejamento estabelecida pela abertura da torneira. Os dados são séries de tempos {T n} entre gotas sucessivas para cada taxa de gotejamento. Utilizando diagramas de bifurcação, e reconstruções do espaço de fase com mapas de primeiro retomo Tn+1 x Tn , observamos duplicações de período, bifurcação de Hopf, crises interiores e de fronteira, comportamentos intermitentes, e movimentos quase-periódicos. Aplicamos anticontrole de caos, desestabilizando um ponto fixo estável com pulsos de ar comprimido sobre o bico da torneira. Também iniciamos o desenvolvimento de uma técnica para o controle de caos. Verificamos a existência de pontos de sela em vários atratores experimentais e, com a aplicação de dinâmica simbólica, observamos tangências homoclínicas associadas ao aparecimento de atratores de Hénon e bifurcações homoclínicas. Utilizando métodos de caracterização topológica, estabelecemos duas rotas para o caos envolvendo tangências homoclínicas, e mostramos que o súbito desaparecimento de um atrator caótico, em altas taxas de vazão, é devido a uma \"chaotic blue sky catastrophe\", apenas observada anteriormente num modelo de equações usadas por Van der Pol para simular a dinâmica cardíaca. / We assembled an experimental apparatus to study the dynamical complex behavior of water drop formation in a nipple faucet. We developed a closed hydrodynamic circuitry, and an automated acquisition data system, which also controls the faucet (a needle valve) opening. We have used as a control parameter the dripping rate set up by the faucet opening. For each dripping rate, the data are interdrop time series {Tn} between two successive drops. With the help of bifurcation diagrams, and reconstructed phase spaces in first return maps Tn+I x Tn, we were able to observe period doubling, Hopf bifurcation, interior and boundary crises, intermittent behaviors, and quasiperiodic movements. An anti-control of chaos was applied by perturbing a stable fixed point with pulses of compressed air on the nipple faucet. We also started the development of a technique to apply the control of chaos. The occurrence of saddle points was verified in some experimental attractors. By applying symbolic dynamics, we were able to observe homoclinic tangencies associated with the appearence of Hénon-like attractors and homoclinic bifurcations. By means of topological characterization, we established two routes to chaos related to homoclinic tangencies. We also observed, at high dripping rates, a sudden disappearance of a chaotic attractor due to a \"chaotic blue sky catastrophe\", just seen in a Van der Pol model used to simulate cardiac dynamics.

Submitted by Johnny Rodrigues (johnnyrodrigues@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-07-27T15:55:51Z No. of bitstreams: 1 KELMEM DA CRUZ BARROSO - DISSERTAÇÃO PPGMAT 2011..pdf: 671604 bytes, checksum: ec714303d68155a38def404424574b39 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-07-27T15:55:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 KELMEM DA CRUZ BARROSO - DISSERTAÇÃO PPGMAT 2011..pdf: 671604 bytes, checksum: ec714303d68155a38def404424574b39 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-09 / Capes / Para visualizar o resuma desta dissertação recomendamos o downloado do arquivo completo uma vez que o mesmo possui em sua estrutura fórmulas e sinais matemáticos que não foram possíveis transcrevê-los aqui. / To visualize the summary of this dissertation we recommend the downloado of the complete file since it has in its structure formulas and mathematical signs that were not possible to transcribe them here.

Inicialmente, consideramos o mapa Logístico com os vários fenômenos nele presentes, para depois, ao perturbarmos esse mapa, adicionando periodicamente um termo de amplitude constante, identificarmos os novos fenômenos e as alterações que a introdução da perturbação faz aparecer. Apresentamos o circuito eletrônico de Matsumoto e, em seguida, o consideramos em um regime caótico perturbado por uma tensão elétrica senoidal externa. A introdução desta perturbação faz o circuito permanecer caótico, tornar-se periódico ou quasi-periódico no toro de duas frequências. Aplicamos diversos métodos de controle de caos a três sistemas (mapa Logístico, mapa de Hénon e circuito de Matsumoto). Para a estabilização de uma órbita periódica, consideramos os métodos de Ott-Grebogi-Yorke (OGY), de Romeiras, de Pyragas, de Sinha, de Singer e de H¨ubbler. Para o direcionamento da trajetória para um ponto de equilíbrio, usamos o método de Sinha. Para a transferência da trajetória para um dos atratores coexistentes no sistema de Matsumoto, usamos o método de Jackson-H¨ubbler (OPCL). Usando um conjunto de pertubações constantes em um parâmetro previamente escolhido, mostramos como é possével dirigir rapidamente uma trajetória, de qualquer um dos três sistemas considerados nesta tese, para um determinado alvo. Além disso, é mostrado como esse método pode ser aplicado experimentalmente. / Initially, we consider the Logistic map with its many non-linear phenomena. Then, we use this knowledge to discern new phenomena that shall appear when the map is perturbed, that is the Logistic map perturbed by a periodic and constant term. The Matsumoto\'s circuit is presented and, after we set this circuit to behave chaotically, we perturb it with a sinoidal wave, characterized by its frequency and amplitude. This perturbation is responsible for the appearence of a quasi-periodic and periodic oscillations, or the maintenance of chaos. We presented and applied many methods for controlling chaotic oscillations in three systems (the Logistic and Henon maps, and the Matsumoto\'s circuit), showing many ways for stabilizing a periodic orbit, using the methods of Ott-Grebogi-York (OGY), Romeiras, Singer, Sinhas and Huebbler. For targeting the trajectory to a equilibrium point, the Sinha\'s method was used. To transfer the system trajectory from one to another of the coexisting attractors presented in the Matsumoto\'s circuit, we use the Jackson-Huebbler (OPCL) method. Using a set of constant perturbations, in a previously chosen parameter, we showed how we can rapidly direct a trajectory of any of the considered three systems to a aimed target. Besides, it is shown how this method can be experimentally applied.

La dynamique d'un difféomorphisme d'une variété compacte est essentiellement concentrée sur l'ensemble récurrent par chaînes, qui est partitionné en classes de récurrence par chaînes, disjointes et indécomposables. Le travail de Bonatti et Crovisier [BC] montre que, pour les difféomorphismes C¹-génériques, une classe de récurrence par chaînes ou bien est une classe homocline, ou bien ne contient pas de point périodique. Une classe de récurrence par chaînes sans point périodique est appelée classe apériodique.Il est clair qu'une classe homocline hyperbolique ni contient d'orbite périodique faible ni supporte de mesure non hyperbolique.Cette thèse tente de donner une caractérisation des classes homoclines non hyperboliques en montrant qu'elles contiennent des orbites périodiques faibles ou des mesures ergodiques non hyperboliques. Cette thèse décrit également les décompositions dominées sur les classes apériodiques.Le premier résultat de cette thèse montre que, pour les difféomorphismes C¹-génériques, si les orbites périodiques contenues dans une classe homocline H(p) ont tous leurs exposants de Lyapunov bornés loin de zéro, alors H(p) doit être (uniformément) hyperbolique. Ceci est dans l'esprit des travaux sur la conjecture de stabilité, mais il y a une différence importante lorsque la classe homocline H(p) n'est pas isolée. Par conséquent, nous devons garantir que des orbites périodiques "faibles'', crées par perturbations au voisinage de la classe homocline, sont contenues dans la classe. En ce sens, le problème est de nature "intrinsèque'', et l'argument classique de la conjecture de stabilité est impraticable.Le deuxième résultat de cette thèse prouve une conjecture de Díaz et Gorodetski [DG]: pour les difféomorphismes C¹-génériques, si une classe homocline n'est pas hyperbolique, alors elle porte une mesure ergodique non hyperbolique. C'est un travail en collaboration avec C. Cheng, S. Crovisier, S. Gan et D. Yang. Dans la démonstration, nous devons appliquer une technique introduité dans [DG], et qui améliore la méthode de [GIKN], pour obtenir une mesure ergodique comme limite d'une suite de mesures périodiques.Le troisième résultat de cette thèse énonce que, génériquement, une décomposition dominée non-triviale sur une classe apériodique stable au sens de Lyapunov est en fait une décomposition partiellement hyperbolique. Plus précisément, pour les difféomorphismes C¹-génériques, si une classe apériodique stable au sens de Lyapunov a une décomposition dominée non-triviale Eoplus F, alors, l'un des deux fibrés est hyperbolique: soit E contracté, soit F dilaté.Dans les démonstrations des résultats principaux, nous construisons des perturbations qui ne sont pas obtenues directement à partir des lemmes de connexion classiques. En fait, il faut appliquer le lemme de connexion un grand nombre (et même un nombre infini) de fois. Nous expliquons les méthodes de connexions multiples dans le Chapitre 3. / The dynamics of a diffeomorphism of a compact manifold concentrates essentially on the chain recurrent set, which splits into disjoint indecomposable chain recurrence classes. By the work of Bonatti and Crovisier [BC], for C¹-generic diffeomorphisms, a chain recurrence class either is a homoclinic class or contains no periodic point. A chain recurrence class without a periodic point is called an aperiodic class.Obviously, a hyperbolic homoclinic class can neither contain weak periodic orbit or support non-hyperbolic ergodic measure.This thesis attempts to give a characterization of non-hyperbolic homoclinic classes via weak periodic orbits inside or non-hyperbolic ergodic measures supported on it. Also, this thesis gives a description of the dominated splitting on Lyapunov stable aperiodic classes.The first result of this thesis shows that for C¹-generic diffeomorphisms, if the periodic orbits contained in a homoclinic class H(p) have all their Lyapunov exponents bounded away from 0, then H(p) must be (uniformly) hyperbolic. This is in spirit of the works of the stability conjecture, but with a significant difference that the homoclinic class H(p) is not known isolated in advance. Hence the "weak'' periodic orbits created by perturbations near the homoclinic class have to be guaranteed strictly inside the homoclinic class. In this sense the problem is of an "intrinsic" nature, and the classical argument of the stability conjecture does not pass through.The second result of this thesis proves a conjecture by Díaz and Gorodetski [DG]: for C¹-generic diffeomorphisms, if a homoclinic class is not hyperbolic, then there is a non-hyperbolic ergodic measure supported on it. This is a joint work with C. Cheng, S. Crovisier, S. Gan and D. Yang. In the proof, we have to use a technic introduced in [DG], which developed the method of [GIKN], to get an ergodic measure by taking the limit of a sequence of periodic measures.The third result of this thesis states that, generically, a non-trivial dominated splitting over a Lyapunov stable aperiodic class is in fact a partially hyperbolic splitting. To be precise, for C¹-generic diffeomorphisms, if a Lyapunov stable aperiodic class admits a non-trivial dominated splitting Eoplus F, then one of the two bundles is hyperbolic: either E is contracted or F is expanded.In the proofs of the main results, we construct several perturbations which are not simple applications of the connecting lemmas. In fact, one has to apply the connecting lemma several (even infinitely many) times. We will give the detailed explanations of the multi-connecting processes in Chapter 3.

<p>Many future satellite applications in cislunar space require repeating, periodic transfers that shift away from some operational orbit and eventually return. Resonant orbits are investigated in the Earth-Moon Circular Restricted Three Body Problem (CR3BP) as a mechanism to enable these transfers. Numerous resonant orbit families possess a ratio of orbital period to lunar period that is sufficiently close to an integer ratio and can be exploited to uncover period-commensurate transfers due to their predictable periods. Resonant orbits also collectively explore large swaths of space, making it possible to select specific orbits that reach a region of interest. A framework for defining period-commensurate transfers is introduced that leverages the homoclinic connections associated with an unstable operating orbit to permit ballistic transfers that shuttle the spacecraft to a certain region. Resonant orbits are incorporated by locating homoclinic connections that possess resonant structures, and the applicability of these transfers is extended by optionally linking them to resonant orbits. In doing so, transfers are  available for in-orbit refueling/maintenance as well as surveillance/communications applications  that depart and return to the same phase in the operating orbit.</p>

This thesis involves the study of four problems in the area of nonlinear vibrations, using the asymptotic method of multiple scales(MMS). Accordingly, it consists of four sequentially arranged parts. In the first part of this thesis we study some nonlinear dynamics related to the amplitude control of a lightly damped, resonantly forced, harmonic oscillator. The slow flow equations governing the evolution of amplitude and phase of the controlled system are derived using the MMS. Upon choice of a suitable control law, the dynamics is represented by three coupled ,nonlinear ordinary differential equations involving a scalar free parameter. Preliminary study of this system using the bifurcation analysis package MATCONT reveals the presence of Hopf bifurcations, pitchfork bifurcations, and limit cycles which seem to approach a homoclinic orbit. However, close approach to homoclinic orbit is not attained using MATCONT due to an inherent limitation of time domain-based continuation algorithms. To continue the limit cycles closer to the homoclinic point, a new algorithm is proposed. The proposed algorithm works in phase space with an ordered set of points on the limit cycle, along with spline interpolation. The algorithm incorporates variable stretching of arclength based on local curvature, through the use of an auxiliary index-based variable. Several numerical examples are presented showing favorable comparisons with MATCONT near saddle homoclinic points. The algorithm is also formulated with infinitesimal parameter increments resulting in ordinary differential equations, which gives some advantages like the ability to handle fold points of periodic solution branches upon suitable re-parametrization. Extensions to higher dimensions are outlined as well. With the new algorithm, we revisit the amplitude control system and continue the limit cycles much closer to the homoclinic point. We also provide some independent semi-analytical estimates of the homoclinic point, and mention an a typical property of the homoclinic orbit. In the second part of this thesis we analytically study the classical van der Pol oscillator, but with an added fractional damping term. We use the MMS near the Hopf bifurcation point. Systems with (1)fractional terms, such as the one studied here, have hitherto been largely treated numerically after suitable approximations of the fractional order operator in the frequency domain. Analytical progress has been restricted to systems with small fractional terms. Here, the fractional term is approximated by a recently pro-posed Galerkin-based discretization scheme resulting in a set of ODEs. These ODEs are then treated by the MMS, at parameter values close to the Hopf bifurcation. The resulting slow flow provides good approximations to the full numerical solutions. The system is also studied under weak resonant forcing. Quasiperiodicity, weak phase locking, and entrainment are observed. An interesting observation in this work is that although the Galerkin approximation nominally leaves several long time scales in the dynamics, useful MMS approximations of the fractional damping term are nevertheless obtained for relatively large deviations from the nominal bifurcation point. In the third part of this thesis, we study a well known tool vibration model in the large delay regime using the MMS. Systems with small delayed terms have been studied extensively as perturbations of harmonic oscillators. Systems with (1) delayed terms, but near Hopf points, have also been studied by the method of multiple scales. However, studies on systems with large delays are few in number. By “large” we mean here that the delay is much larger than the time scale of typical cutting tool oscillations. The MMS up to second order, recently developed for such large-delay systems, is applied. The second order analysis is shown to be more accurate than first order. Numerical integration of the MMS slow flow is much faster than for the original equation, yet shows excellent accuracy. A key point is that although certain parameters are treated as small(or, reciprocally, large), the analysis is not restricted to infinitesimal distances from the Hopf bifurcation. In the present analysis, infinite dimensional dynamics is retained in the slow flow, while the more usual center manifold reduction gives a planar phase space. Lower-dimensional dynamical features, such as Hopf bifurcations and families of periodic solutions, are also captured by the MMS. The strong sensitivity of the slow modulation dynamics to small changes in parameter values, peculiar to such systems with large delays, is seen clearly. In the last part of this thesis, we study the weakly nonlinear whirl of an asymmetric, overhung rotor near its gravity critical speed using a well known two-degree of freedom model. Gravity critical speeds of rotors have hitherto been studied using linear analysis, and ascribed to rotor stiffness asymmetry. Here we present a weakly nonlinear study of this phenomenon. Nonlinearities arise from finite displacements, and the rotor’s static lateral deflection under gravity is taken as small. Assuming small asymmetry and damping, slow flow equations for modulations of whirl amplitudes are developed using the MMS. Inertia asymmetry appears only at second order. More interestingly, even without stiffness asymmetry, the gravity-induced resonance survives through geometric nonlinearities. The gravity resonant forcing does not influence the resonant mode at leading order, unlike typical resonant oscillations. Nevertheless, the usual phenomena of resonances, namely saddle-node bifurcations, jump phenomena and hysteresis, are all observed. An unanticipated periodic solution branch is found. In the three dimensional space of two modal coefficients and a detuning parameter, the full set of periodic solutions is found to be an imperfect version of three mutually intersecting curves: a straight line, a parabola, and an ellipse. To summarize, the first and fourth problems, while involving routine MMS involve new applications with rich dynamics. The second problem demonstrated a semi-analytical approach via the MMS to study a fractional order system. Finally, the third problem studied a known application in a hitherto less-explored parameter regime through an atypical MMS procedure. In this way, a variety of problems that showcase the utility of the MMS have been studied in this thesis.