Characteristics method in dissipative structure theory

The characteristics method in the theory of partial differential equations has been discussed in its relation to the theory of dissipative structures. Non-characteristic Cauchy data related to the hyperbolic part of equilibrium equations characterizes intrinsic structures in the corresponding dynamical system. The concept of intrinsic structures introduced here gives a generalization of eigenfunctions. Some different examples of intrinsic structures in plasmas have been studied. (author)