Forrester, Nathan B., "Eigenvalue Analysis of Dominant Feedback Loops", 1983
ua435
Eigenvalue analysis of dominant feedback loops promises to be a powerful new tool for identifying the structural origins of behavior in system dynamics models. Traditional simulation methods for dominant loop analysis are time-consuming and error-prone. A new technique permits calculating the marginal contribution of each feedback loop to each mode of behavior in a model. The technique computes the numbers showing the percentage change in natural frequency and damping of each eigenvalue resulting from a one percent change in loop gain. The magnitude of an elasticity measures the overall importance of a loop to a mode of behavior. The magnitudes can be used to rank loops by relative dominance over each mode, or to rank; modes by relative importance to each loop. The techniques can be used to analyze both linear and some nonlinear behavior modes.