Abstract for: Parameter-Based Eigenvalue Elasticity Analysis for Stock-and-Flow Models in a Categorical Framework
| Introduction | Classical eigenvalue-based analyses in system dynamics typically focus on dominant modes or structural interpretations, limiting their ability to capture parameter-driven behavior in nonlinear and time-varying systems. This creates a gap in understanding how model parameters influence system dynamics, particularly near regime transitions, oscillatory behavior, and non-equilibrium conditions. |
| Approach | This work develops a categorical framework for parameter-based eigenvalue sensitivity analysis using ACSet-encoded stock-and-flow models. Building on prior formulations, eigenvalues are treated as implicit functions of parameters through the Jacobian. The approach systematically computes sensitivities across all modes, leveraging compositional system dynamics representations. |
| Results | Results demonstrate that parameter influence varies significantly across dynamical regimes and is often not captured by dominant eigenvalue analysis alone. The method reveals informative sensitivity signals in oscillatory and near-zero regimes, where traditional approaches fail, and provides consistent insights across different model configurations, including SIRS systems. |
| Discussion | The findings highlight the importance of parameter-based sensitivity analysis in understanding nonlinear system behavior beyond structural interpretations. By integrating categorical representations with eigenvalue sensitivity theory, this work offers a robust analytical framework applicable to complex, time-varying systems and supports more reliable interpretation of model dynamics. |