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Dissipative structures, machines, and organisms: A perspective
Dilip Kondepudi1, Bruce Kay2, James Dixon2
1Department of Chemistry, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
Chaos (Woodbury, N.Y.)
|November 3, 2017
Summary
This study reveals organism-like behavior in a voltage-driven dissipative structure of conducting beads. The self-organizing tree structure exhibits end-directed evolution, seeking higher current to sustain itself.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Nonlinear Dynamics
- Complex Systems
Background:
- Self-organization and dissipative structures are key phenomena in nonequilibrium systems.
- Chemical systems are prominent examples, but this study explores a novel physical system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a voltage-driven dissipative structure formed by conducting beads in oil.
- To analyze the complex, organism-like behaviors observed in this system.
- To explore the concept of end-directed evolution in artificial structures.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a voltage-driven system with conducting beads immersed in a viscous oil medium.
- Observing the spontaneous formation and movement of a tree-like dissipative structure.
- Analyzing the interplay of electric fields, inter-particle interactions, and fluid dynamics.
Main Results:
- The dissipative structure exhibits complex, organism-like dynamics, including self-formation and movement resembling a worm.
- The structure evolves towards states of lower resistance and higher entropy production.
- End-directed evolution was observed, with the structure seeking regions of higher electrical current.
Conclusions:
- This physical system provides a model for understanding self-organization and emergent behaviors.
- The observed end-directed evolution offers insights into distinguishing between machines and organisms.
- The study opens avenues for developing a physics of organisms based on fundamental principles.
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