Hysteresis and Stability

Abstract

SIAM Review, Volume 65, Issue 4, Page 1171-1184, November 2023.
A common definition of hysteresis is that the graph of the state of the system displays looping behavior as the input of the system varies. Alternatively, a dynamical systems perspective can be used to define hysteresis as a phenomenon arising from multiple equilibrium points. Consequently, hysteresis is a topic that can be used to illustrate and extend concepts in a dynamical systems course. The concept is illustrated in this paper through examples of ordinary differential equations, most motivated by applications. Simulations are presented to complement the analysis. The examples can be used to construct student exercises, and specific additional questions are listed in an appendix. The paper concludes with a discussion of possible extensions, including hysteresis in partial differential equations.