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System thermodynamics: A model illustrating complexity emerging from simplicity

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  • Erik W. Aslaksen

Abstract

A high‐level model of a self‐sustaining system exhibiting the life cycle phases of growth, survival, and decay is introduced. The model, which is anchored in thermodynamics, does not make any assumptions about the functionality or physical nature of the system, and only very general assumptions about the structure of the system and the processes involved in growth and decay. The central features of the model are that the interaction between the system and its environment depends on the match between the structures of the system and the environment and that the decay of the system is caused by fluctuations in this match. The relationship between fluctuations and lifespan is investigated through numerical simulation, and it is shown that the space spanned by fluctuation amplitude and mismatch tolerance is divided into a stable and an unstable region. An example of how the model might be applied is provided, and some extensions of the model are suggested. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 7: 271–284, 2004

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  • Erik W. Aslaksen, 2004. "System thermodynamics: A model illustrating complexity emerging from simplicity," Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 7(3), pages 271-285.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:syseng:v:7:y:2004:i:3:p:271-285
    DOI: 10.1002/sys.20009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Réka Albert & Hawoong Jeong & Albert-László Barabási, 2000. "Error and attack tolerance of complex networks," Nature, Nature, vol. 406(6794), pages 378-382, July.
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