Research

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I study mathematical models of dynamical systems. Mainly I deal with low-dimensional ODEs and maps and analyse critical parameter values (bifurcations) where the dynamical behaviour changes in a fundamental way.

My research focuses on models that involve a switch or discontinuity. Such models have novel bifurcations and readily exhibit chaotic dynamics. Refer to my publication list or Google Scholar profile.

I hope to soon publish a book on piecewise-smooth bifurcations, so watch this space!

Former PhD students:

Slides on piecewise-linear maps from a keynote talk at the 28th International Conference on Difference Equations and Applications, Phitsanulok, Thailand, July 2023.

Lecture notes on piecewise-smooth ODEs from the Dynamics of Complex Systems Summer School at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences, Bengaluru, India, June 2018.

Other things of mine on the web

Contact

  • email: d.j.w.simpson@massey.ac.nz
  • phone: 06 951 7618 (or 84618 within Massey)
  • office: ScB3.07
  • postal: School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand

Last modified: Dec 3, 2025