What is Instability: Definition and 56 Discussions

In numerous fields of study, the component of instability within a system is generally characterized by some of the outputs or internal states growing without bounds. Not all systems that are not stable are unstable; systems can also be marginally stable or exhibit limit cycle behavior.
In structural engineering, a structure can become unstable when excessive load is applied. Beyond a certain threshold, structural deflections magnify stresses, which in turn increases deflections. This can take the form of buckling or crippling. The general field of study is called structural stability.
Atmospheric instability is a major component of all weather systems on Earth.

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  1. X

    Arctic Ice Instability: Recent Assessment & Effects of GHGs

    Here's a link to an animation from NASA of melting sea ice: http://www.nasa.gov/mov/391782main_sea_ice_concept.mov And also, a Science Journal Article on Arctic Ice: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/reprint/311/5768/1747.pdf GHG stands for Greenhouse Gases GIS stands for Greenland Ice Sheet LIG...
  2. S

    How can a hohlraum prevent laser fusion instability?

    Hey everyone, I am not knowledgeable in the field of physics, so please excuse me if my question is obvious or poorly worded. I have found myself reading recently about various Nuclear Fusion research, and just now I came across an overview of fusion contained by lasers, specifically at the...
  3. P

    Indicating the onset of instability on a graph

    Good day, Homework Statement Indicate on the graph the onset of instability. The graph: I really have no idea how I can indicate the onset of instability on such a graph. Thanks in advance!
  4. Z

    More WAIS (W. Antarctica) instability?

    see http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7261171.stm"
  5. A

    Maths Biology - linear instability

    1. Homework Statement Given the linear diffusion equation with a linear source term, \frac{\partial u}{\partial t} =\frac{\partial^2u}{\partial x^2} + au where a is a positive constant and inital data u(x,0) = u0(x) use a linear instability analysis to show u identically equal to 0 is...
  6. G

    The instability of Rutherford's atomic model

    I understand Rutherford proposed that electrons orbit around a central nucleus. However, since accelerating charges produce electromagnetic radiation, the orbiting electron should lose energy via E&M and spiral into the nucleus. But my question is: How do I calculate the time it takes for the...
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