DAMPING
Charles François (2004). DAMPING, International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(1): 816.
| Collection | International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics |
|---|---|
| Year | 2004 |
| Vol. (num.) | 2(1) |
| ID | ◀ 816 ▶ |
| Object type | Methodology or model |
A check on fluctuations in a system.
Damping is generally the result of regulation by a negative feedback which impedes excessive fluctuations.
When giant fluctuations set in, the damping capability of the system is strongly reduced, instability surges, a bifurcation (or catastrophe) may occur and chaos may eventually set in, or a system of higher complexity may emerge.
Damping may also result from a limiting influence exerted by environmental conditions through the boundary of the system.
K.De GREENE observes :“Damping increases with increase in surface/volume ratio or interface zone and stems from interactions on the boundaries of the fluctuation region” (1988, p.291).