The Coherence-Friction Framework: A Cross-Domain Hypothesis on Contradiction-Driven Phase Transitions in Complex Systems

Revision 7 of the Coherence-Friction Framework hypothesis paper. Building on the three-domain empirical validation of Revision 6 (World Bank WGI 205 countries, NHANES 10,836 adults, Technical Debt Dataset 31 Apache projects), this revision introduces five additions.

First, texture is formalized as a construct: directional resistance that provides navigational signal, distinguished from destructive friction by its relationship to the system's direction of travel. The texture-to-friction ratio produces monotonic gradients from healthy to catastrophic trajectories across all three domains (Spearman rho = -0.81 to -0.83). The additive formulation (B + T - F) is empirically rejected; texture operates as a conversion efficiency modifying how friction is processed, not as an independent energy source.

Second, a node-level correction model formalizes individual agency as the mechanism bridging micro-level signal processing to macro-level friction dynamics, with variables for signal coherence, evidence confidence, update capacity, and suppression.

Third, the phase transition prediction is refined with a classical-quantum boundary distinction using physical analogues (skyrmion versus perovskite reorganization) and an exclusion argument: psychology demonstrates full trauma reversal, no classical physics permits complete reversal of accumulated structural damage, and quantum processes remain the only candidate substrate by elimination.

Fourth, independent corroboration from Daniel Yates' information-complexity curve confirms the convergence-near-phase-shift principle from an entirely separate derivation.

Fifth, the paper identifies its own natural ceiling: the quantum consciousness science required to advance the Tier 3 claims does not yet exist, and the framework predicts this data wall as a structural consequence of its own logic.

Seven falsifiable predictions with specified metrics, baselines, and failure conditions. Epistemic tiers maintained throughout. All new material is Tier 3 unless independently grounded. CC BY 4.0.