This study uses the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT), a signal analysis method for nonlinear and non-stationary processes, to separate signals of varying frequencies in a nonlinear system governed by the Lorenz equations. Similar to the Fourier series expansion, HHT decomposes a data time series into a sum of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) using empirical mode decomposition (EMD). Unlike an infinite number of Fourier series terms, the EMD always yields a finite number of IMFs, whose sum is equal to the original time series exactly. Using the HHT approach, the properties of the Lorenz attractor are interpreted in a time–frequency frame. This frame shows that: (i) the attractor is symmetric for [Formula: see text] (i.e. invariant for [Formula: see text]), even though the signs on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are changed; (ii) the attractor is sensitive to initial conditions even by a small perturbation, measured by the divergence of the trajectories over time; (iii) the Lorenz system goes through “windows” of chaos and periodicity; and (iv) at times, a system can be both chaotic and periodic for a given [Formula: see text] value. IMFs are a finite collection of decomposed quasi-periodic signals, starting from the highest to lowest frequencies, providing detection of the lower frequency signals that may have otherwise been “hidden” by their higher frequency counterparts. EMD decomposes the original signal into a family of distinct IMF signals, the Hilbert spectra are a “family portrait” of time–frequency–amplitude interplay of all IMF members. Together with viewing the IMF energy, it is easy to discern where each IMF resides in the spectra in relation to one another. In this study, the majority of high amplitude signals appear at low frequencies, approximately 0.5–1.5. Although our numerical experiments are limited to only two specific cases, our HHT analyses of time–frequency, marginal spectra, and energy and quasi-periodicity of each IMF provide a novel approach to exploring the profound and phenomena-rich Lorenz system.

Hilbert–Huang Transform Approach to Lorenz Signal Separation

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