Symmetric chaos in systems of three and four forced oscillators

This paper is a presentation of the results from an experimental investigation into the dynamics of three and four symmetrically coupled identical electronic oscillators. The attractors for a variety of different parameter values are displayed, and their structure is explained in terms of dynamical systems theory concepts. The concept of a symmetry-induced collision of chaotic attractors is used to explain abrupt changes in the number and symmetry of the attractors as a parameter is varied.