Detecting parameter changes using experimental nonlinear dynamics and chaos

A method of detecting parameter changes using analytical and experimental nonlinear dynamics and chaos is applied to a piecewise-linear oscillator. Experimental data show the chaotic nature of the system through phase portraits, Poincare maps, frequency spectra and bifurcation diagrams. Unstable periodic orbits were extracted from each chaotic time series obtained from the system with sir different parameter values. Movement of the unstable periodic orbits in phase space is used to detect parameter changes in the system.