The Universal Stability Principle (USL): A Recurrent Critical Balance Threshold in Driven-Dissipative Systems

This work introduces the Universal Stability Principle (USL), a general principle predicting stability and pattern transitions across nonlinear systems. The law defines the boundary between ordered and unstable regimes by the ratio ϕ=F/C\phi = F/Cϕ=F/C, where FFF represents driving and CCC dissipation. Using simulations of reaction–diffusion fronts, coupled-field models, and noise-driven systems, we demonstrate that F=CF=CF=C universally marks the onset of instability. The study unifies diverse domains — from morphogenesis and ecology to neural dynamics — under a single geometric criterion for nonlinear stability. All data and simulation scripts are provided for full reproducibility. Related records (Zenodo): PPLM v2 (Principio de Propagación Limitada de Muñoz): 10.5281/zenodo.18326232 Conductance–hallucination empirical audit: 10.5281/zenodo.18615984 Muñoz Number (NM) + evaluation bundle: 10.5281/zenodo.18653104 (Metadata update: cross-references added; files/content unchanged.) Original public release: USL v1 (Oct 19, 2025). Current record: v7 (Jan 22, 2026).