Lord Rayleigh and Rayleigh Oscillator: An Overview

摘要

In this paper the biography of John William Strutt, Baron Rayleigh, is given. His contribution to the nonlinear science is specially emphasized. Lord Rayleigh is one of the greatest scientists of the world who gives an explanation for many nonlinear phenomena. He is well known for: discovery of argon, Rayleigh waves, Rayleigh scattering, Rayleigh criterion, Duplex theory, Sound theory, Rayleigh flow, Rayleigh-Plesset equation, Rayleigh-Taylor instability. Recently his model of nonlinear oscillator is widely applied in the theory of nonlinear vibrations. Results obtained are applicable in the modern industry. In this paper the importance of Rayleigh equation for describing the nonlinear phenomena and processes in all fields of science is propounded. Directions for further investigation of Rayleigh oscillator are also suggested.