Measuring the stability of periodic attractors using perturbation-induced transients: Applications to two non-linear oscillators

In this paper a combined analytical, numerical and experimental approach is used to study the behavior of small, perturbation-induced transients superimposed on a periodic steady state. The behavior of these transients is monitored in terms of characteristic multipliers as a control parameter is changed and instability is approached. Two non-linear mechanical oscillators are used which exemplify the application of these concepts to physical systems.