Use of catastrophe theory to obtain a fundamental understanding of elementary particle stability

Abstract

Using Arnold's Classification Theorem applied to a four-dimensional manifold, it is shown that there is only a finite number of ways in which energy can discontinuously change state. It is demonstrated that each of these energy flow pathways can be associated with a distinct elementary particle. The theory not only shows how the formation of particles from the stress-energy present in the space-time manifold can be predicted from first principles, but also that there must exist five fundamental forces in a universe in which discontinuous energy transitions are possible. Finally, the existence of a new, as yet undiscovered particle is predicted, which is associated with this new fifth force.