SYSTEM (Near Equilibrium)

Charles François (2004). SYSTEM (Near Equilibrium), International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics, 2(2): 3382.

Collection	International Encyclopedia of Systems and Cybernetics
Year	2004
Vol. (num.)	2(2)
ID	◀ 3382 ▶
Object type	Methodology or model

“Any system characterized by an irreversible

evolution

towards a fixed stationary 

state , called attractor ” (S.H. STROGATZ & I. STEWART, 1990, p.100-1).

“This type of systems may be described by a quite precise equation, which permits to compute the

stationary state

towards which they tend. Examples of open 

dissipative

systems 

near equilibrium

(i.e., which have a 

linear

movement equation) are numerous: slow flowing rivers, heat 

flow

through a partition, common chemical reactions, motors, etc…” (Ibid).

They are characterized by an “ evolution

of 

entropic

type” “

attracted ” by the most probable state , the one of maximum disorder

(or the one of 

stationary state

of the same type…)“ (Ibid).

This type of system can however maintain itself in a regime of dynamic stability

during a more or less protracted 

period , while stabilizing its entropy

production to the lowest 

level

compatible with its characteristics.

When the system finally reaches its attractor , it destroys itself as a system and its elements

recover their 

independence .