  Network equilibrium models represent a versatile tool for the analysis of
interconnected objects and their relationships. They have been widely employed
in both science and engineering to study the behavior of complex systems under
various conditions, including external perturbations and damage. In this paper,
network equilibrium models are revisited through graph-theory laws and
attributes with special focus on systems that can sustain equilibrium in the
absence of external perturbations (self-equilibrium). A new approach for the
analysis of self-equilibrated networks is proposed; they are modeled as a
collection of cells, predefined elementary network units that have been
mathematically shown to compose any self-equilibrated network. Consequently,
the equilibrium state of complex self-equilibrated systems can be obtained
through the study of individual cell equilibria and their interactions. A
series of examples that highlight the flexibility of network equilibrium models
are included in the paper. The examples attest how the proposed approach, which
combines topological as well as geometrical considerations, can be used to
decipher the state of complex systems.
