Theoretical expression for the survivability of complex systems (Q2743385)

The author discusses differences and similarities between reliability of technical systems and survivability of biological systems both on the conceptual and the mathematical level. In the author's opinion the main difference is reduced to the distinction of functioning objectives. In the case of technical systems their efficiency is measured by achievement of given external objectives while the natural systems are directed towards self-preservation. This leads to a special form of feedback in such systems between system activity and their vitality. More precisely, a necessary condition of biological system activity is its life preservation, and on the other hand its activity is directed towards prolongation of its life. A mathematical model of the system contains two binomial state variables: the first (internal) -- representing vitality of the system -- and the second (external) -- representing reachability of the objective. The evolution of the system state is characterized by a risk function and a probability of mortality. To find mathematical expressions for complex system survivability, the author proposes to use a recurrent discrete event machinery.