Lyapunov exponent
(redirected from Lyapunov characteristic exponent)Also found in: Acronyms.
Lyapunov exponent
[li·pu̇′nȯf ik‚spō·nənt] (physics)
One of a number of coefficients that describe the rates at which nearby trajectories in phase space converge or diverge, and that provide estimates of how long the behavior of a mechanical system is predictable before chaotic behavior sets in.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.