What is Modeling: Definition and 607 Discussions

A model is an informative representation of an object, person or system. The term originally denoted the plans of a building in late 16th-century English, and derived via French and Italian ultimately from Latin modulus, a measure.
Representational models can be broadly divided into the concrete (e.g. physical form) and the abstract (e.g. behavioural patterns, especially as expressed in mathematical form). Of particular importance in the modern context, conceptual models are central to philosophy of science, as almost every scientific theory effectively embeds some kind of model of the physical or human sphere.
In commerce, a model might instead reference a specific version or configuration of a product offering, rather than functioning as a representation of something else.
In taxonomic settings (e.g. biology, architecture, art) a model is sometimes a particular instance of a set of related entities (species, built structures, artistic compositions) chosen as a convenient reference point around which to build discourse; such a model is almost always chosen to typify some central tendency of the group, exemplify the group's defining characteristic, or reify the group's historical lineage.
Kinds of models include:

View More On Wikipedia.org
  1. P

    What is Modeling EM Transmission at 100 kHz with COMSOL and RF Module?

    Hi all, I have brave hopes of modeling the following problem: Imagine an antenna transmitting an ~50V 100kHz sine wave. Imagine a receiving antenna placed three or four feet apart, with an amplification and detection circuit. First, measure the amplitude of the received wave. Next...
  2. E

    Linear systems modeling dynamics

    Homework Statement R' = aJ J' = bR What happens to the graphs of R(t) and J(t)? The Attempt at a Solution I made the matrix {{0, a}{b, 0}} and then got the equation (L=lambda) L^2 - 0L + (a+b) after computing the trace and determinant of that matrix. I then solved for the...
  3. D

    How do I model with equations for pre-calculus?

    Homework Statement I am supposed to be tutoring pre-calc, and they are currently studying modeling with equations, i haven't have pre-calculus in years, and there are no sufficient examples in this book and i could use assistance helping these kids! I feel like I should know how because the...
  4. F

    Model Ballistics Homework: 30ft Cliff, 15ft/s Speed & 25ft/s Arm Speed

    Homework Statement A child running along level ground at the top of a 30-ft-high vertical cliff at a speed of 15 ft/s, throws a rock over the cliff into the sea below. Suppose the child's arm is 3ft above the ground and her arm speed is 25ft/s. If the rock is released 10ft from the edge of the...
  5. A

    Exploring the Possibilities of Modeling with Differential Equations

    I have read some papers where they say they are using a computational approach to modeling something complicated, like a simplified stock market or something, and they usually say that one of the reasons they are using a computational approach is becuase it would be "very difficult" to come up...
  6. N

    Exploring 3D Modeling & Animation for Creative Expression

    Has anyone had any experience with this software? I'm finishing up at my local Community College this year, and plan to take two classes in the Art department titled "3D Modeling" and "3D Animation". One counts as my Art general education requirement, but I plan on taking the 2nd semester...
  7. P

    Modeling with differential equations question answer missing

    Iv'e got an exam in like 2 weeks and i don't have any material on how to do this question so i know the forum says i should make an attempt at the question but i really don't have a clue where to start could someone run me through it please so i will be able to answer it and others like it in...
  8. F

    Understanding DE's: Solving for y=x and Exam Prep Tips

    I have a question of show that y=x is one solution of the equation (1+x^2)y''-2xy'+2y=0) this is a question that i need to know for a coming exam. i understand and can do everything until the question gets to v''+(2/x(1+x^2))v'=0 then the question skips to IF =e^integral of (2/x(1+x^2))dx...
  9. M

    Insect Wings: Modeling the Complexity of Flight

    Hi everyone! I have a question for you :) I am wondering, if there already is a developed model, imitating insect wings, e.g. bee wings. If you happen to observe them, they seem to be much more complex, but also much more useful and allow a more flexible movement. Insects fly with them not...
  10. Q

    MATLAB Modeling PMDC Motor & Mechanical System

    alright I've got to model a PMDC motor and a mechanical system attached to it this is what i have so far for the equations part, which is where the problem is (im trying to graph the time histories of the 3 DE's) the bolded part is where the problem is. if i substitute it for a constant...
  11. A

    Careers in modeling and simulation?

    So I have been further researching possible career paths with a degree in math that would suit me, and I came across the idea of modeling and simulation for national defense (for example...
  12. K

    Hidden Markov Modeling and Background needed for Dynamical Systems

    I was recently commissioned by one of my neuroscience professors to help him develop a new gameplan for possibly describing neural networks with dynamical systems theory. In his most recent paper on the subject, he used Hidden Markov Modeling to detect coherent rate patterns in populations of...
  13. Evo

    Friend of Evo's Lands $600k Modeling Gig on Popular Game Show!

    Most Americans know of this game show hosted by Howie Mandel. A friend of the Child of Evo's has just signed a contract to be one of the models that opens a briefcase and supposedly she will get paid $600,000.00. That's just sick.
  14. D

    Solve Math: Help Modeling Data Curve w/Negative Slope

    In my math homework, a problem asks to derive the function of a set of given points. After plotting all the points I realized that the graph is a curve with a negative slope. I have no idea on how to derive a "Best Fit" function that represents the curve. Is there something easy that I am...
  15. N

    The Importance of Physical Modeling in Engineering: Insights from an EE Student

    I was hoping to get some input from someone in an engineering field about how important physical modeling is to you. for example: how long do you spend on it, how closely does the model resemble the final project, do you think it's vital or a waste of time, or does your place of business even...
  16. K

    Modeling Tidal Functions: Finding the Best Fit Sine or Cosine Equation

    Homework Statement i was reading this book for school called investigating change and i was really lost on question 4: tides of an area and their times are as follows: high tide: low tide 1.64m 12:08am 0.4m 6:03 am 2.32m 12:46 PM...
  17. A

    Modeling of an inductive proximity sensor

    Hey all, I am currently modeling an inductive proximity sensor. And the method/procedure i am following to obtain the mathematical model is given below: When an object enters the magnetic field produced by the sensor each point in it experiences a different effect by the field. Thus by...
  18. P

    How can you use U.S. population data from 1790 to solve a differential equation?

    Use P0 = 3.9 (1790 population) as your initial condition to find the particular solution for this differential equation. Note: You may find it easier to solve in terms of the constants a and b. Show all the steps in your solution. This is the last step to a multi-part problem. I basically did...
  19. S

    Help Needed: Modeling a Loop Heat Pipe System for Mars Mission

    hey guys, im trying to model a loop heat pipe (lhp) system to cool various things on a spacecraft mission to Mars for a project I am doing in uni, does anyone know any equations that i could use to compute a value for length of lhp etc?? I've found lots of journals on the internet giving...
  20. N

    Modeling Electrons: Non-Interacting vs. Coloumbic Interactions

    What is the justification behind these models to assume electrons as non-interacting? Because it is clearly not the case when considering coloumbic interactions.
  21. P

    US Population Modeling

    Use P0 = 3.9 (1790 population) as your initial condition to find the particular solution for this differential equation. Note: You may find it easier to solve in terms of the constants a and b. Show all the steps in your solution. This is the last step to a multi-part problem. I basically...
  22. C

    How Can Color Theory Modeling Be Applied to Avian Species Perception?

    I understand the basics of color theory and I need to explain it to some graduate level bio-students. Now I need to incorporate the biological funciotions involved in this process and relate it to avian species. Now I have a brief understand of the human eye abosorbtion curves which peak at...
  23. D

    Model Universe: Shortest Path to Gravity Corridors

    Several years ago, after reading about Wheeler's quantum foam, I wondered what would happen if you used wormhole propogation and a quality in some wormhole positions to prefer taking the shortest distance to the next position (mass) to try to reproduce effects similar to gravity. I had also just...
  24. G

    Modeling of Car Braking System

    Hi, I would like to know "how the braking system in a car can be modeled" i.e.,upon applying the force on pedal,how the force gets applied on the tires of the car.Please also give the equations which need to be considered for developing the model. Thank you.
  25. P

    Modeling eliptical motion of planets

    I am trying to write a simple java program to model the motion of planets according to kepler's second law. I have everything working...except I can't find how to find an equation relating position and time. I have x = a cos(t) y = b sin(t) where a and b are the semimajor and semiminor...
  26. I

    Modeling rotational motion with differential equations

    Hi all, I'm new to the forums, so forgive me if I'm posting in the wrong place. Strictly speaking, this isn't a "homework" question in that I'm not presenting a specific problem to be solved...But I have been assigned a project (due in a week...damn you, procrastination!) that involves...
  27. I

    Modeling Time to Cover Distance with variable acceleration

    Greetings all. I am attempting to write a program that will calculate how long a spaceship will take to move from Point A to Point B. This is actually an attempt to model my favorite computer game, so it isn’t 100% accurate in comparison to the real world. The developers introduced an element of...
  28. T

    Trouble modeling runner’s swing-leg as double compound pendulum.

    There is a problem in biomechanics that relates to a human runner’s gait (1) and how much power they consume. At each speed a runner chooses a Preferred Step Frequency or PSF (2). If an athlete tries to run with a step frequency that differs from their PSF at that speed, their oxygen...
  29. malawi_glenn

    Finding AGB Star Phases: Modeling S-Process in a Helium Shell Burning Region

    Hi! I have a project where I am supposed to model the s-process in a star in its Helium shell burning region, and i shall do this for a variation of neutron exposure, where neutron exposure are defined as: \tau = N* \Delta t , t is time. N is number density of neutrons. So I in...
  30. X

    What are the dimensions of a cross section that minimizes perimeter?

    Homework Statement This is from the book Calculus Single Variable, 4th edition: The cross-section of a tunnel is a rectangle of height h surmounted by a semicircular roof section of radius <i>r</i>. If the cross-sectional area is A, determine the dimensions of the cross section which...
  31. Q

    Math teacher looking for modeling tool

    Hello, I am a High school algebra teacher looking for a modeling tool for algebra tiles. I have four sources of online "virtual" manipulatives, but none of them do what a set of algebra tiles on an overhead can do. First there is the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives...
  32. C

    Modeling of pendulum with external horizontal force

    Homework Statement In general, I know that the dynamic equation of pendulum is theta'' + (k/m)*thata' + (g/l)*sin(theta) = 0 , where k=friction co, m=mass, l=length of string, g=gravity. But if the pendulum is placed in a constant draft, the equation has to be changed. Assuming...
  33. C

    Help - Heat Pipe Math Modeling

    Hello! i've been thinking, how can i get start modeling a heat pipe. At least a conceptual approach . it would be very helpfull ir someone here post any bibliography. thanks!
  34. S

    Mathematica Aerodynamics: Mathematically Modeling the Flight of an Object

    Homework Statement Had our choice for a topic for a project, and I picked math modeling. My Original Research Question: In what way can a playing card be thrown in order to maximize the distance it travels? My Simplified Research Question: In what way can a flat disc be thrown in order...
  35. S

    Mathematica Aerodynamics: Mathematically Modeling the Flight of an Object

    Homework Statement Had our choice for a topic for a project, and I picked math modeling. My Original Research Question: In what way can a playing card be thrown in order to maximize the distance it travels? My Simplified Research Question: In what way can a flat disc be thrown in order to...
  36. P

    Applied Math Modeling: Syllabus and Topics for Physical Problems

    heres the class syllabus: Introduction to fundamental principles and spirit of applied mathematics. Emphasis on manner in which mathematical models are constructed for physical problems. Illustrations from many fields of endeavor, such as physical sciences, biology, economics, and traffic...
  37. E

    Computer modeling of motion of planets

    computer modeling of motion of planets! hi everybody what would happen on the position and orbit of the Earth and the moon, if the mass of the moon will gradually increase within a day and becomes greater than the mass of the earth. will it brings a big disaster in the earth? will moon...
  38. J

    Statistical analysis versus computer modeling

    http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/news/30711 Also here
  39. R

    How Accurate Is My Model for Rocket Displacement with Mass Loss?

    I'm trying to model (purely for my own edification) the behavior of a rocket (specifically w.r.t. significant mass loss over time). I *think* I have everything correct, but I'm not totally confident with how I'm computing the vertical displacement (assuming no air resistance) I have the...
  40. I

    Advanced Device Modeling Tools

    Dear All, I would like to introduce this website; http://www.imodelit.com" . imodelit.com portal is an online library of device modeling tools for electrical engineers. It offers unique solution to satisfy the initial design steps of optical and microwave components. imodelit.com main goal...
  41. A

    Modeling Fracture: Intuition, Formula for Elastic Potential & Nodal Forces

    Hi, I've been looking into ways to model fracture in real-time and i ran into a few papers on the net, one was by a few people from MIT compsci lab that seemed to fit what i was trying to do very well. However some of the math in it is a bit involved. The link to the paper is, for instance...
  42. G

    Modeling Soccer Ball Flight Path with Drag and Magnus Forces | Extended Essay"

    Homework Statement For my Extended Essay I am modeling the flight path of a soccer ball under various conditions. Currently, I have a model for an extremely basic soccer kick with no spin and only gravitational forces, with no drag. My goal is to model the kick firstly with the addition of...
  43. K

    Modeling Heat Transfer for Different Shapes and Fluids

    Hi, I have nothing to do this summer so I figured I would like to model the heat transfer for different shapes and fluids and compare with experimental values.. :) Anyway I searched on google and found nothing. What are the main problems? For example is it acceptable to assume that the...
  44. B

    Free 3-D EM Software for Modeling Transformers and Mapping Poynting Vectors

    Does anybody know of free 3-D EM software so that I can model a transformer? In particular, I'm interested in mapping Poynting vectors. Thanks.
  45. R

    Modeling Tidal Patterns: Finding an Equation

    I need to determine an equation that models tidal patterns. High tide is at 12:00am Low Tide 6:10pm High tide returns at 12:24pm High tide is 5.4m and low tide is .1m Therefore the amplitude is (5.4-0.1)/2 = 2.65 The mean value is 2.65+0.1=2.75 Therefore y=2.65cos(Bx+c)+2.75 Im yet...
  46. J

    Modeling the HEart with Calculus

    I'm receiving a lecture on Modeling the Heart for about three weeks. We were assigned a problem which required us to find the mean Psa value.. Where Psa(t) = Psa(0)*exp(-t/(Csa*Rs)) and Psa(0) is the initial value, and Csa and Rs are constants. Now What i did is intergrate this like...
  47. N

    Modeling motion with air resistance (integral calculus)

    Please, any help would be appreciated. Air resistance is a force that acts in the direction opposite to the motion and increases in magnitude as velocity increases, let us assume at least initially that air resistance r is proportional to the velocity: r = pv, where p is a negative constant...
  48. N

    Modeling motion with air resistance (integral calculus)

    Air resistance is a force that acts in the direction opposite to the motion and increases in magnitude as velocity increases, let us assume at least initially that air resistance r is proportional to the velocity: r = pv, where p is a negative constant. suppose a ball of mass m is thrown upward...
  49. A

    Solving Modeling Problem with 2 Intersecting Rectangles

    Hope this finds you well... i am having a problem analyzing a simple model that consists of 2 rectangles intersecting. the creation of the rectangles, material definition, BC, loading conditions...etc is done. but first: how can i define one rectangle to be a rigid body? second: the vertical...
  50. ranger

    Solving a Differential Equation Modeling Bacterial Growth

    So I've been given a differential equation that models bacterial growth, p(t), and the concentration of critical substance, q(t), whatever that's suppose to mean. I've solved both of these and found that: q(t) = q_0 e^{vt} Where q0 is the amount critical substance at t=0. v is a constant. I...
Back
Top