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ODEs + dynamical systems

Five ranked references. Rank 1 is the default spine, not a requirement to read all five.

1 | Nonlinear Dynamics and Chaos

Steven H. Strogatz | Primary spine | Undergraduate / graduate

The best broad entry into phase lines, fixed points, oscillation, bifurcation, chaos, and qualitative modeling.

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2 | Differential Equations, Dynamical Systems, and an Introduction to Chaos

Morris W. Hirsch, Stephen Smale, Robert L. Devaney | Geometric depth | Upper undergraduate

Develops dynamical systems as geometry and structure, not only equation solving.

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3 | Ordinary Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems

Gerald Teschl | Rigorous open depth | Upper undergraduate / graduate

A serious bridge from existence/uniqueness through stability, manifolds, periodic orbits, and chaos.

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4 | Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems

William E. Boyce, Richard C. DiPrima, Douglas B. Meade | Standard methods | Undergraduate

Reliable coverage of classical ODE methods, systems, series, Laplace methods, and boundary-value problems.

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5 | Notes on Diffy Qs: Differential Equations for Engineers

Jiří Lebl | Open engineering path | Undergraduate

Excellent free engineering-oriented text including systems, nonlinear equations, and introductory PDEs.

Amazon search | Full open text

  • Ordinary Differential Equations and Dynamical Systems: Full legal author/AMS PDF: open
  • Notes on Diffy Qs: Differential Equations for Engineers: Full open text: open