Stability by linear approximation for time scale dynamical systems

Abstract: We study systems on time scales that are generalizations of classical differential or difference equations. In this paper we consider linear systems and their small nonlinear perturbations. In terms of time scales and of eigenvalues of matrices we formulate conditions, sufficient for stability by linear approximation. We demonstrate that those conditions are close to necessary ones. For non-periodic time scales we use techniques of central upper Lyapunov exponents (a common tool of the theory of linear ODEs) to study stability of solutions. Also, time scale versions of the famous Chetaev's theorem on conditional instability are proved.