Quick estimation of escape rate with the help of fractal dimension

The non-linearity caused by the application of digital control may lead to transient chaotic behaviour. In the present paper, we analyse a simple model of a digitally controlled mechanical system with dry friction, which may perform transient chaotic vibrations. As a consequence of the digital effects, the behaviour of this system can be described by a 1D piecewise linear map. The fractal dimension of the so-called chaotic repeller set is calculated and the results are used for the quick estimation of the mean lifetime of chaotic transients.