The visualization of strange attractors in three dimensions

The existence of strange attractors for dynamical systems with three variables is discussed. The structure and dimensionality of these attractors are observed with computer packages that have three dimensional viewing capabilities. The importance of visualizing these attractors is discussed. Some new visual tools developed for this purpose are introduced. These tools are then used to observe strange attractors for the Lorenz, Rossler, and Silnikov systems of equations. The solutions to the Lorenz equations are followed in detail for certain parameter values. Figures of the attractors are included to attempt to show the benefits of the new tools. There is an accompanying video that contains visualizations of the strange attractors to illustrate the three dimensional capability of the new tools. A comparison is made of current methods used to view attractors with the new tools. It is concluded that the three dimensional visualization of the structures is very important and beneficial for learning about the attractors.