Practical application of Chaos Theory to systems engineering

Abstract

Chaos Theory has been successfully applied to predict the long-term behavior of numerous biological systems using a technique known as a "Recurrence Plot". This same method of application should prove useful in Systems Engineering as well. Recurrence Plots reveal long-term and emergent behavior in complex systems when specific criteria are met. This technique may be used in Systems Engineering in such diverse areas as Systems Architecture to predict emergent behaviors in Complex Systems and Program Management to predict the long-term health of a complex project among others. The utility of Recurrence Plots in the field of Systems Engineering will demonstrated as well as establishing the requisite criteria and the technique itself. Future work as well as other approaches and how they compare will also be addressed. © 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd.