stability

stability: see equilibrium.

---

stability

In 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)

dynamic stability

(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.