Towards a New Physics of Software Systems: A Finite Element and Spectral Framework for Distributed Architectures
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Modern distributed software systems exhibit complex, non-linear, and emergent behaviors under load, failure, and dynamic scaling. Traditional models based on graph theory, queuing theory, and discrete event simulation fail to fully capture the continuous propagation of stress, failure, and performance degradation across interconnected services. This paper introduces a novel framework termed the Physics of Software Systems, which models distributed architectures using principles derived from continuum mechanics, finite element analysis (FEA), and spectral theory. We define software analogues of physical constructs such as force, stiffness, deformation, and stress, and formulate a global system equation governing system behavior. The proposed approach enables predictive analysis of failure propagation, bottleneck identification, and system resilience through eigenvalue-based spectral metrics.
Author: Anand Sunder
Language: English
Subfield: Computer Networks and Communications
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7140975776