Nonsmooth Dynamics

Nonsmooth dynamics refer to systems where changes in behavior aren’t gradual but involve sudden shifts or discontinuities—like a switch flipping or a bouncing ball. Unlike smooth systems that change gradually over time, nonsmooth systems experience abrupt events or transitions, such as friction suddenly engaging or disengaging. These behaviors are common in real-world scenarios, including robotics, electrical circuits, and mechanical systems, and require special mathematical tools to analyze and predict their complex, unpredictable behavior accurately.