Forecasting the Forced Van der Pol Equation with Frequent Phase Shifts Using a Reservoir Computer

A reservoir computer (RC) is a recurrent neural network (RNN) framework that achieves computational efficiency where only readout layer training is required. Additionally, it effectively predicts nonlinear dynamical system tasks and has various applications. RC is effective for forecasting nonautonomous dynamical systems with gradual changes to the external drive amplitude. This study investigates the predictability of nonautonomous dynamical systems with rapid changes to the phase of the external drive. The forced Van der Pol equation was employed for the base model, implementing forecasting tasks with the RC. The study findings suggest that, despite hidden variables, a nonautonomous dynamical system with rapid changes to the phase of the external drive is predictable. Therefore, RC can offer better schedules for individual shift workers.