Foundations of Synergetics: Distributed Active Systems v. 1 (Springer Series in Synergetics)

This textbook presents an introduction to the mathematical theory of co-operative behaviour in active systems of various origin, both natural and artificial. The volume is devoted to the properties of regular self-organized patterns in distributed active systems. An analysis of pattern formation and self-supported wave propagation in active media is followed by a description of properties of neural networks and their possible applications in the field of distributed analog information processing. The volume ends with a discussion of reproductive networks and evolutionary systems. Attention is focused on basic models which might appear in a wide range of applications. As illustrations, the author uses simplified examples borrowed from a variety of disciplines ranging from chemical and biological physics to market economies.