Abstract for: Butterflies and Buffers
This paper presents a brief discourse on chaotic behaviour and provides an implementation of a classical example from existing chaos theory; the Lorenz strange attractor. The implementation is carried out using standard System Dynamics software and techniques. The paper then goes on to describe a classical buffered feedback system; the Ktesibios clock. The implementation of this feedback system is again carried out using standard System Dynamics software and techniques. Both systems are then amalgamated to unite the butterfly effect of the Lorenz attractor with the buffered nature of the water clock. It is postulated that the resultant taming of the chaotic behaviour generated by the Lorenz attractor through the feedback buffer of the Ktesibios machine is common to many systems; brief examples are given. It is concluded that, in some cases at least, it is the overwhelming of the buffer that leads to a tipping point returning the whole system to a state of chaotic behaviour. Implementing a model of a natural buffered system with chaotic input is identified as an area for further work.