Hyperchaotic states in the parameter-space

In this paper we propose a numerical method to characterize hyperchaotic points in the parameter-space of continuous-time dynamical systems. The method considers the second largest Lyapunov exponent value as a measure of hyperchaotic motion, to construct two-dimensional parameter-space color plots. Different levels of hyperchaos in these plots are represented by a continuously changing yellow-red scale. As an example, a particular system modeled by a set of four nonlinear autonomous first-order ordinary differential equations is considered. Practical applications of these plots include, by instance, walking in the parameter-space of hyperchaotic systems along desirable paths. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.