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catastrophe theory |
Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Medical, Wikipedia, Hutchinson | 0.03 sec. |
catastrophe theoryBranch of mathematics (considered a branch of geometry) that explores how gradual changes to a system produce sudden, drastic results (though usually not as dire as the name suggests). A simple example is how a plastic coffee stirrer subjected to gradually increasing pressure from both ends will suddenly buckle in one direction or another. Other “catastrophes” include optical phenomena such as reflection or refraction of light through moving water. More speculatively, ideas from catastrophe theory have been applied by social scientists to such situations as the sudden eruption of mob violence. catastrophe theory [kə′tas·trə·fē ‚thē·ə·rē] (mathematics) A theory of mathematical structure in which smooth continuous inputs lead to discontinuous responses. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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| Can catastrophe theory explain the properties of school reform as well as the dynamics of physical systems? Finally, the third component of the methodology of qualitative analysis of BMS is comprised of mathematical methods of catastrophe theory that make it possible, on the basis of a derived family of potential functions to construct the sought for critical set (separatrix) in the space of controlling parameters and describe the diversity of qualitative changes occurring in a system when we adjust controlling parameters. During the post 30 years, the author asserts, three theories relevant to the question have emerged: catastrophe theory, chaos theory, and complexity theory. |
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