Energy‑Driven Coherence Dynamics (ECD): A Unified Framework for Pattern Formation and System Evolution

Energy‑Driven Coherence Dynamics (ECD) presents a unified theoretical framework describing how coherent structures emerge, stabilise, break down, and reorganise in driven systems. The model integrates two traditionally separate domains: (1) physical pattern formation in nonequilibrium systems, and (2) temporal evolution in complex adaptive systems. ECD treats coherence as a dynamic variable shaped by the balance between driving forces (energy input, growth processes) and resistive forces (decay, stress, fragmentation). The framework shows that both physical and complex systems share a common mathematical architecture, including threshold behaviour, stability windows, rapid transitions, and cyclical reorganisation. The manuscript outlines: - a physical model of coherence formation based on energy flow and dissipation - a lifecycle model describing growth, stability, stress accumulation, collapse, and renewal - a general driver–resistance formulation applicable across scientific domains - structural correspondences between systems at different scales - cross‑domain predictions that can be tested experimentally or through data analysis ECD is intended as an interdisciplinary bridge linking nonequilibrium thermodynamics, pattern formation theory, resilience science, and complexity research. It provides a conceptual foundation for comparing coherence‑driven behaviour across physics, ecology, organisational systems, technological networks, and historical processes. This project contains the full manuscript and supporting materials.