Non-equilibrium Phase Transitions

Non-equilibrium phase transitions are changes in a system's state that occur when it is not in a stable, balanced condition, often driven by external forces or ongoing processes. Unlike typical phase changes (like water freezing or boiling), which happen at equilibrium, these transitions happen in systems constantly evolving—such as the spread of a wildfire, traffic flow, or chemical reactions. They involve sudden shifts in behavior or structure, marking a critical point where small changes can cause the system to dramatically change its properties, reflecting complex, dynamic behavior outside of stable, equilibrium conditions.