The Compression–Resonance–Tension Index (CRTI): A Conceptual Framework for Exploring Structural Fragility in Complex Adaptive Systems

The Compression–Resonance–Tension Index (CRTI) is proposed as a conceptual framework for exploring structural fragility in complex adaptive systems. The framework integrates three systemic components: structural compression (C), adaptive resonance (Res), and systemic tension (T). Together, these variables describe a hypothesised dynamic in which increasing structural rigidity and declining adaptive capacity may be associated with rising systemic stress and an elevated probability of systemic failure. The proposed model builds conceptually on several strands of complexity research, including resilience theory (Holling), early warning signals for critical transitions (Scheffer and Dakos), network stability theory (May), and non-equilibrium systems thinking (Prigogine). Rather than replacing existing approaches, CRTI is positioned as a complementary conceptual diagnostic structure intended to integrate multiple dimensions of systemic stress into a unified analytical perspective. This repository contains the preprint manuscript describing the CRTI framework together with visual figures, a conceptual research roadmap, and supporting documentation. The work is presented as a research program proposal. Empirical validation of the proposed indicator remains a task for future investigation. CRTIcomplex adaptive systemssystemic fragilityearly warning signalsresilience theorytipping pointsadaptive capacitystructural compressionsystem dynamicscomplexity science