A discrete model exhibiting successive bifurcations leading to the onset of turbulence

Abstract

A simple discrete model which consists ofN limit-cycle oscillators interacting with a linear coupling is numerically investigated in order to study the sequence of oscillatory states leading to the onset of turbulence. The systems withN=2 and 3 are studied. The system ofN=2 does not exhibit a nonperiodic motion, whereas the system ofN=3 does exhibit a nonperiodic motion. It is shown that, as an external parameter changes, the system ofN=3 undergoes a sequence of bifurcations, exhibiting the singly periodic, doubly periodic and nonperiodic motions, successively. This is similar to the bifurcation scheme for the onset of turbulence proposed by Ruelle and Takens and experimentally shown by Gollub and Swinny in a rotating Couette flow. The successive bifurcations are investigated in details and new features are reported.