Fractal Theory and Models in Nonlinear Dynamics and Their Applications, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Fractal and Fractional (ISSN 2504-3110). This special issue belongs to the section "Mathematical Physics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 September 2026 | Viewed by 1249

Special Issue Editors


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División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Tecnológico Nacional de México, Instituto Tecnológico de Pachuca, Carr. México-Pachuca Km 87.5, Pachuca 42080, HD, Mexico
Interests: machine design; nonlinear dynamics; rotational dynamics; development of vibration isolation materials; fractal
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Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Advanced Materials, Institute of Advanced Materials for Sustainable Manufacturing, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada Sur 2501, Monterrey 64849, NL, Mexico
Interests: vibrations testing; nanomaterials; fractal
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fractal structures emerge organically in nonlinear dynamics, and their phase space represents complex dynamic systems. An increased understanding of such constructions is helpful for obtaining information about the future behaviors of complex dynamic systems, since this provides fundamental knowledge about the relation between these systems, as well as their uncertainty and indeterminism. Currently, using fractal–fractional calculus to capture self-similarities in chaotic attractors facilitates an enhanced understanding of stability, bifurcations, and intermittency in dynamic systems. Nonlinear dynamics occur in mathematical physics; engineering applications; theoretical and applied physics, such as quantum mechanics; and signal analysis, among others.

This Special Issue aims to advance research on topics relating to the theory, design, implementation, and application of fractal theory and models in nonlinear dynamics and their applications. We are inviting submissions on topics including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Fractal dimension analysis in nonlinear systems;
  • Multifractals and their applications in dynamics;
  • Self-similarity in dynamical systems;
  • Fractal models for predicting system behavior;
  • Fractal patterns and fractional dynamics in complex networks;
  • Fractal geometry and its applications in chaos.

Prof. Dr. Luis Manuel Palacios-Pineda
Prof. Dr. Oscar Martínez-Romero
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Fractal and Fractional is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • fractal theory
  • multifractals
  • fractal–fractional calculus
  • fractional chaotic systems
  • fractional nonlinear dynamics

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 1082 KB  
Article
Fractal Modeling of Nonlinear Flexural Wave Propagation in Functionally Graded Beams: Solitary Wave Solutions and Fractal Dimensional Modulation Effects
by Kai Fan, Zhongqing Ma, Cunlong Zhou, Jiankang Liu and Huaying Li
Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(9), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9090553 - 22 Aug 2025
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Abstract
In this study, a new nonlinear dynamic model was established for functionally graded material (FGM) beams with layered/porous fractal microstructures, aiming to reveal the cross-scale propagation mechanism of flexural waves under large deflection conditions. The characteristics of layered/porous microstructures were equivalently mapped to [...] Read more.
In this study, a new nonlinear dynamic model was established for functionally graded material (FGM) beams with layered/porous fractal microstructures, aiming to reveal the cross-scale propagation mechanism of flexural waves under large deflection conditions. The characteristics of layered/porous microstructures were equivalently mapped to the fractal dimension index. In the framework of the fractal derivative, a fractal nonlinear wave governing equation integrating geometric nonlinear effects and microstructure characteristics was derived, and the coupling effect of finite deformation and fractal characteristics was clarified. Four groups of deflection gradient traveling wave analytical solutions were obtained by solving the equation through the extended minimal (G′/G) expansion method. Compared with the traditional (G′/G) expansion method, the new method, which is concise and expands the solution space, generates additional csch2 soliton solutions and csc2 singular-wave solutions. Numerical simulations showed that the spatiotemporal fractal dimension can dynamically modulate the amplitude attenuation, waveform steepness, and phase rotation characteristics of kink solitary waves in beams. At the same time, it was found that the decrease in the spatial fractal dimension will make the deflection curve of the beam more gentle, revealing that the fractal characteristics of the microstructure have an active control effect on the geometric nonlinearity. This model provides theoretical support for the prediction and regulation of the wave behavior of fractal microstructure FGM components, and has application potential in acoustic metamaterial design and engineering vibration control. Full article
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20 pages, 834 KB  
Article
Time-Fractional Evolution of Quantum Dense Coding Under Amplitude Damping Noise
by Chuanjin Zu, Baoxiong Xu, Hao He, Xiaolong Li and Xiangyang Yu
Fractal Fract. 2025, 9(8), 501; https://doi.org/10.3390/fractalfract9080501 - 30 Jul 2025
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Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the memory effects introduced by the time-fractional Schrödinger equation proposed by Naber on quantum entanglement and quantum dense coding under amplitude damping noise. Two formulations are analyzed: one with fractional operations applied to the imaginary unit and one [...] Read more.
In this paper, we investigate the memory effects introduced by the time-fractional Schrödinger equation proposed by Naber on quantum entanglement and quantum dense coding under amplitude damping noise. Two formulations are analyzed: one with fractional operations applied to the imaginary unit and one without. Numerical results show that the formulation without fractional operations on the imaginary unit may be more suitable for describing non-Markovian (power-law) behavior in dissipative environments. This finding provides a more physically meaningful interpretation of the memory effects in time-fractional quantum dynamics and indirectly addresses fundamental concerns regarding the violation of unitarity and probability conservation in such frameworks. Our work offers a new perspective for the application of fractional quantum mechanics to realistic open quantum systems and shows promise in supporting the theoretical modeling of decoherence and information degradation. Full article
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