Variable-Order Fractional Calculus-Based Chaos Analysis of a Novel Eight-Dimensional Hyperchaotic System

In this study, we develop a novel variable-order fractional extension of an eight-dimensional (8D) hyperchaotic differential equation system modeled via the Liouville–Caputo operator. Moving beyond constant fractional-order models, our system implements time-variable orders, which enable its historical memory structure to evolve dynamically over time. To numerically approximate the trajectories of this complex 8D system, a second-order Lagrange numerical integration approach is formulated. An extensive dynamic analysis explores the behavior of this variable-order framework under two distinct configurations: a slowly periodic memory function and a smooth, monotonic hyperbolic tangent function. Topological complexity and multidimensional chaos are characterized using parameter-dependent bifurcation diagrams, phase portraits, Kaplan–Yorke fractal dimensions, and Kolmogorov–Sinai metric entropy. Numerical results show that both variable-order configurations display robust hyperchaotic dynamics characterized by four positive Lyapunov exponents. Crucially, the proposed variable-order extension enhances the phase space footprint of the baseline system, achieving a maximum Kaplan–Yorke dimension of 7.100, thereby offering excellent topological density for secure cryptographic applications.