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Stability |
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stability: see equilibrium equilibrium, state of balance. When a body or a system is in equilibrium, there is no net tendency to change. In mechanics, equilibrium has to do with the forces acting on a body.
..... Click the link for more information. . stabilityIn mathematics, a condition in which a slight disturbance in a system does not produce a significant disrupting effect on that system. A solution to a differential equation is said to be stable if a slightly different solution that is close to it when x = 0 remains close for nearby values of x. Stability of solutions is important in physical applications because deviations in mathematical models inevitably result from errors in measurement. A stable solution will be usable despite such deviations. stability 1. the ability of an aircraft to resume its original flight path after inadvertent displacement 2. Meteorol a. the condition of an air or water mass characterized by no upward movement b. the degree of susceptibility of an air mass to disturbance by convection currents 3. Ecology the ability of an ecosystem to resist change 4. Electrical engineering the ability of an electrical circuit to cope with changes in the operational conditions 5. a vow taken by every Benedictine monk attaching him perpetually to the monastery where he is professed stability [stə′bil·əd·ē] (chemistry) The property of a chemical compound which is not readily decomposed and does not react with other compounds. (control systems) The property of a system for which any bounded input signal results in a bounded output signal. (engineering) The property of a body, as an aircraft, rocket, or ship, to maintain its attitude or to resist displacement, and, if displaced, to develop forces and moments tending to restore the original condition. (fluid mechanics) The resistance to overturning or mixing in the water column, resulting from the presence of a positive (increasing downward) density gradient. (geology) The resistance of a structure, spoil heap, or clay bank to sliding, overturning, or collapsing. Chemical durability, resistance to weathering. (materials) Of a fuel, the capability to retain its characteristics in an adverse environment, for example, extreme temperature. (mathematics) Stability theory of systems of differential equations deals with those solution functions possessing some particular property that still maintain the property after a perturbation. (mechanics) (physics) The property of a system which does not undergo any change without the application of an external agency. The property of a system in which any departure from an equilibrium state gives rise to forces or influences which tend to return the system to equilibrium. Also known as static stability. (plasma physics) The property of a plasma which maintains its shape against externally applied forces (usually pressure of magnetic fields) and whose constituents can pass through confining fields only by diffusion of individual particles. stability The resistance of a structure or element thereof to withstand sliding, overturning, buckling, or collapsing. Stability of a vessel, the ability of a vessel to withstand the external forces that cause it to roll or pitch and to return to the original equilibrium position after these forces have ceased to operate. Stability is one of the most important seakeeping qualities of a vessel. Resistance to rolling is called transverse stability, and resistance to pitching is called longitudinal stability. Because of the elongated shape of a vessel, its longitudinal stability is significantly greater than its transverse stability. Hence assurance of proper transverse stability for safety at sea is a more important design consideration. A distinction is made between static stability and dynamic stability. Static stability is measured in terms of the righting moment that is developed when a vessel is tilted to a certain angle of heel or trim, and the dynamic stability is measured in terms of the work of this moment. For small angles of heel the righting moment is approximately proportional to the angle of heel, the displacement, and the metacentric height. Under operating conditions, the transverse stability is checked by determining the metacentric height and comparing it with the value that is safe for the particular vessel. Standards for transverse stability are set by the classification societies. L. N. STRELIAEV Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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