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Separatrix

A phase curve (invariant Manifold) which meets a Hyperbolic Fixed Point (intersection of a stable and an unstable invariant Manifold). A separatrix marks a boundary between phase curves with different properties. For example, the separatrix in the equation of motion for the pendulum occurs at the angular momentum where oscillation gives way to rotation.




© 1996-9 Eric W. Weisstein
1999-05-26