Periodic Functions On
Non-Linear Temporal Models
By Alexia Puig
During
this semester, while working with Dr. Devito, I plan to study the mathematical
properties of functions of time.
According to Dr. Devito’s papers “A Non-Linear Model For Time” and “Time
Scapes,” time is defined as a partially ordered set of instants. Mathematically, the standard model of time
is the number line and time is generally measured by periodic functions (ex.
Lunar cycles). The non-linear model
gives an interesting new way to understand some of the properties of time. Instants cannot be added. There is, however, a translation function on
the set of instants, defined in Devito’s paper, and by using this function one
can formulate a definition of a periodic function of time. I want to examine the properties of these
functions.
I also want to study and
interpret the integrals of functions defined on time tracks, which are totally
ordered subsets of the set of instants.
The most natural integrals to apply in this connection are the
Henstock-Stieltjes and the Reimann-Stieltjes Integrals. I will try to formulate a definition of
these integrals using two real-valued functions defined on the time axis. I will study these integrals and try to find
insights into the nature of time.