2026/03/09 by Bernd von Mallinckrodt · 1 voice
paper · doi:10.5281/zenodo.18924812
openalex publication_date 2026/03/09 · openalex created_date 2026/03/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/15
This preprint introduces the Mallinckrodt Cycle and the Compression–Resonance–Tension Index (CRTI) as a conceptual framework for diagnosing structural fragility in complex adaptive systems (CAS). Traditional resilience research often explains systemic collapse through external shocks, stochastic chaos, or random perturbations. This framework proposes an alternative hypothesis: in many socio-technical, economic, and ecological systems, collapse may arise from a process of structural over-optimization, where efficiency-driven compression reduces the adaptive degrees of freedom required to respond to environmental change. The framework introduces the Compression–Resonance–Tension Index (CRTI) defined as: CRTI = (C + T) / R where: Compression (C) represents structural constraint produced by optimization, standardization, and centralization. Tension (T) represents environmental pressure, operational load, or external stress acting on the system. Resonance (R) represents adaptive capacity, redundancy, and feedback permeability within the system. The hypothesis proposes that as the ratio between structural constraint and adaptive capacity increases, systems may transition from a state of adaptive stability to a regime of structural brittleness, referred to in this framework as Singularization. To contextualize this dynamic, the Mallinckrodt Cycle describes five structural phases commonly observed in evolving complex systems: Exploration Growth Optimization Over-Optimization Singularization While optimization increases efficiency and throughput, excessive compression can suppress the system’s ability to reconfigure in response to changing environmental conditions. The framework integrates concepts from multiple disciplines including: Cybernetics (Ashby’s Law of Requisite Variety) Complexity Science Network Theory Thermodynamics of far-from-equilibrium systems Information Theory To explore the empirical validity of the hypothesis, the paper proposes a computational research program called Singular-Sim, which uses evolutionary adaptive network models to simulate the interaction between structural compression, environmental tension, and adaptive resonance. The objective of this research program is to investigate whether critical thresholds may exist where systems transition from stable operation to structural fragility. Potential application domains include: financial systems and liquidity crises ecological systems and biodiversity collapse energy and infrastructure networks organizational and institutional resilience The framework is presented as a testable conceptual research program, not as a proven universal law. Future research is required to operationalize the measurement of resonance and to evaluate whether stability thresholds can be empirically identified across domains. Keywords (für Zenodo) Empfohlene 15 Keywords für maximale Auffindbarkeit: Complex Adaptive Systems Structural Fragility Systemic Risk Resilience Theory Cybernetics Network Science Information Theory Nonlinear Dynamics System Optimization Robust Yet Fragile Systems Systemic Collapse Adaptive Capacity System Stability Complexity Science Systems Theory