Fractals and Chaos

Abstract : The study of fractal geometry and chaotic dynamical systems has received considerable attention in the past decade. Motivated by the interesting computer graphics produced by these fields, mathematicians have attempted to formalize the theoretical structure of the results, physicists have attempted to apply the theory to real world phenomena, and laymen have enjoyed much of the popular literature and television programs that the field has fostered. Unfortunately, the mathematics associated with these subjects has made them inaccessible to most undergraduates, even if they have a strong background in mathematics. This thesis presents the basic ideas of fractal geometry and chaotic dynamical systems in a setting that can be understood by undergraduate students who have had a course in advanced calculus. We hope it will allow them to gain an appreciation of the fields and motivate them to pursue further study.