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:

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  1. jaketodd

    I Question about modeling continuous spacetime

    Since determining how many points there are in a given volume of continuous spacetime would require divisibility by infinity, is set theory's infinite sets the only way to model continuous spacetime? Thanks, Jake
  2. A

    Calculating/3D Modeling Salt Water Current Paths

    Just to clarify, this is not a homework or coursework question. I was wondering, if you have a large container of salt water and place two electrodes on either side, the current will pass from one electrode to the other through the salt water medium. Is the a way to calulate or 3D model the...
  3. T

    How can I create a unique projection of my company logo on light shades?

    I've been tasked with designing light shades for my companies new building. The current goal is to 3D print them, and include the company logo/name on them. The lights are for design purposes only, and aren't being used to illuminate the room. The hard part is, I want the logo/name clearly...
  4. Abdul Wali

    Model AC Servomotor with Dynamic Load Torque

    Hi, i want to model an AC Servomotor where i assume that a dynamic load is attached to the shaft of AC Servomotor. the paper that i have attached to this post has ac servomotor model running without load that's why in equation 5 TL(s) (the load torque)=0 . Now i want to include TL(s) in the...
  5. A

    A How to validate a code written for solution of 1D diffusion?

    Consider the conceptual model presented in the attached image, of heat conduction in a bar. There is a heat source at left side and heat is observed at point Ho after a distance L from the source. If we consider only heat transfer through conduction then this problem can be modeled by...
  6. MexChemE

    Modeling a multiple inlet piping system

    Hello, PF! I’m trying to model a real piping system, which has multiple inlets and one outlet, so I can’t use Bernoulli’s equation. Instead, I’m planning to use the generalized macroscopic energy balances as shown in BSL, which allow for any number of inlets and outlets. However, first I want...
  7. J

    Thanks in advance.Heat Transfer Modeling: Get Insight for Physical Intuition

    Hello everyone, I was hoping to get some insight on a model I am trying to create. Quick background in case it is important, I am now working at a new internship I landed for the summer doing some modeling and what not on areas of physics I have never worked on before. It has also been a few...
  8. P

    Novice trouble modeling a system in Simulink

    Greetings, For the past 5 days i have been learning how to use simulink.I decided to try and model a mechanical system described by the equations in the picture below.I provide a second picture with my work so far.A couple of questions that i have are: a)How do i include the first equation? and...
  9. jrp95

    Modeling Acceleration at Impact

    Hi all, Background: I'm working on a project where I am dropping an arduino with an accelerometer from ~100 ft in the air to measure it's acceleration during free fall and at impact. I need to compare my collected data with predicted models. I have the model for free fall (just 9.8m/s^2)...
  10. Schaus

    Modeling epidemics - solving differential equation

    Homework Statement Solve for y: ##\frac {dy}{dx} = \frac {1+y^6}{xy^5}## , where y(1) = 1. Answer ## y = \sqrt[6] {2x-1}## Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution ##\frac {dy}{dx} = \frac {1+y^6}{xy^5}## ##\frac{dy (y^5)}{1+y^6} = dx \frac {1}{x}## u= 1+y6 ##\frac {du}{y^5}=dx## ##\int...
  11. Vitani11

    Courses What is a course in math modeling like compared to physics?

    In a mathematical modeling course (intended for applied mathematics majors at my school) you apply math to real life situations. I am a physics major so I know what goes on there, but how is math modeling different?
  12. cbeckelhymer

    B Noob with some questions on Modeling Earth

    as i mentioned I am a huge noob in the reals of math and physics, but if anyone can explain things to me as a noob that would be awesome. magnetism had always fascinated me so i think that's where i want to dive into. i am curious about experiments or ideas on a model of the earth, and inert...
  13. O

    I Modeling a peristaltic roller pump

    Hello! We were recently introduced to mathematical modeling. I would want to model a blood roller pump - a simple peristaltic pump. I was wondering, what kind of formulas there are that I can use to model a pump which optimizes the number of rollers, roller diameter, tube diameter etc...
  14. X

    Help Political Rumor Modeling

    Homework Statement The election for mayor is coming soon in the small town of Ecolopolis (population 5000).The two candidates are Aaron Aardvark and Paula Platypus. Paula Platypus currently has a big lead, with 80% of the population ready to vote for her. As usual, the politics turn ugly. Five...
  15. M

    What are free solid modeling modeling programs?

    What are the free solid modeling programs? Thank you.
  16. Seth Allen

    Recommendations for an affordable 3D CAD for home use

    Hey! I hope this is the right place to post this. I'm looking for recommendations for a modeling/drafting cad program that is relatively affordable and capable. I have extensive experience with NX and Solidworks, but can't justify paying for either of those to simply use at home. My non-work...
  17. B

    Model DC Motor: Torque, EMF, Resistance & Regulation

    Hello, I want to model a DC motor which I bought from a company. I only have the following information: torque constant [M.N.M./Amp], EMF constant [MV/RAD/SEC], Dynamic Resistance [OHMS] and Motor Regulation [RPM./M.N.M.]. The company does not provide the moment of inertia nor elect/mech...
  18. V

    Long idum in Modeling Financial Market

    Hi guys. I am trying to modeling financial markets. Looking for google, I have found this global variable: long idum In the main(), it is defined as idum = -9132434 or in many other ways. I am using the following libraries: #include <stdio.h> #include <stdlib.h> #include <math.h>...
  19. A

    Modeling fracture flow in stress field in COMSOL

    I am new to COMSOL and I want to model fluid flow in stress field. As starting point I want a simple 2D box having a fracture from right to left while pressure gradient vertically. I want to know the threshold value of that pressure from top which allows flow of fluid in fracture. Can anyone...
  20. Xilus

    I Equation for modeling atomic spectra of all atoms

    I've seen the equation I think is just for hydrogen. is this just for hydrogen? of course this doesn't return the atomic spectra, it returns the energy. So using E=h*v and Planck's constant. a simple factor of 1/h would return the frequency. right? Energy is directly proportional to frequency...
  21. edguy99

    I Modeling EPR - Local or Non-Local

    One way to talk about it precisely is in your program (great program btw). When running the program, you clearly demonstrate a difference in correlation when only "local" vs. "non-Local" variables are used. In order to help understand your program, I have modified some defaults on the program...
  22. cg78ithaca

    A Modeling diffusion and convection in a complex system

    I am trying to come up with an analytical solution (even as a infinite series etc.) for the following diffusion-convection problem. A thin layer of gel (assumed rectangular) is in direct contact with a liquid layer (perfusate) flowing with velocity v in the x direction (left to right) just...
  23. levadny

    Mathematica Books on mathematical modeling

    Hello for All! Please recommend English-language books on mathematical modeling. Interested in a general theory. In Russian I know these books, but I would like to get acquainted with English. Thank you.
  24. G

    A Methods to interpolate surfaces from gradient field?

    I have a 2D regular grid of vectors representing average headings on a 2D spatial domain. These are generated by stochastic simulation of chemical-sampling and gradient-estimation techniques for a robotic search algorithm seeking a chemical source. Without going into a lot of detail, I would...
  25. M

    I Question about plasma modeling

    hi ,, hello dears first i hope i choose the suitable section to put my question i want in fact to distinguish between different methods to model or study or describe plasma physics .. from my read i found that there are various ways to study plasma physics one way is the single particle...
  26. C

    RC circuit black box circuit modeling

    Homework Statement I have a red mystery box which contains a 20, 50, 100, and 200,000 ohm resistor (one of each and ONLY one.) There are three terminals on the box you can plug a voltmeter into... testing A-B I got 60k, testing A-C I got 140k, and testing B-C I get 120k ohms. So this is a bit...
  27. S

    MHB Math Modeling Struggles? Let's Talk!

    Greetings, friends and fellow math survivors (or players, however you want to look at it)! I'm currently in math modeling, the first level math for college. And when I say it's kicking my backside, I mean with steel-toed boots. I tried getting help from the tutors and it makes NO sense. And has...
  28. grapheeene

    Modeling Surface Reaction (CVD) on ANSYS Fluent

    Hi guys, First of all, thank you for your help. I am new in Ansys and Fluent (less than a month), hoping to learn. I am trying to model a simple and single surface reaction CH4 (g) -> C(s) + 2H2 (g) on a "CVD reactor" to grow C(s) (graphene, or graphite). The inlets are gases inyections of...
  29. squelch

    Determining if Systems are Linear

    Homework Statement For each of the following, determine if the system is linear. If not, clearly state why not. (a) ##y''(t)+15y'(t)+sin(y(t)))=u(t)## (b) ##y''(t)-y'(t)+3y(t)=u'(t)+u(t)## (c) ##y'(t)=u(t)## and ##z'(t)=u(t)-z(t)-y(t)## Homework Equations None The Attempt at a Solution...
  30. D

    Question regarding Constant Current Modeling of Buck

    Hello everyone, I was reading this application note and I am having trouble understanding how a parallel RC circuit with ESR bring driven by a current source has a transfer function of 1-pole. When I do my math I get a pole and a zero. I have attached an image of the claim that there's 1-pole...
  31. iCloud

    A Need help with regression modeling in Minitab?

    Hi! I am trying to do a project under regression, trying to show how the enrollment (male and female) in college is affected by unemployment (of male and female), Interest rates. I am using Excel and have also tried Minitab but I am unsure how do I factor in the dummy variables (1 or 0) for the...
  32. R

    How are class representations created in UML?

    In UML (Unified Modeling Language) , how is class represented pictorially?
  33. G

    Modeling epidemics - solving differential equation

    I am given a modified SIR model in which the rate of decrease of susceptibles S is proportional to the number of susceptibles and the square-root of the number if infectives, I. If the number R of those who have been removed or recovered increases in proportion to the infectives, we have the...
  34. K

    Modeling differential equation

    Homework Statement Liquid is pouring into a container at a constant rate of 30cm^3s^-1 At time t seconds liquid is leaking from the container at a rate of 2/15 V cm^3s^-1, where V cm^3 is the volume of liquid in the container at that time. Show that -15 dV/dt = 2V - 450Homework Equations ...
  35. V

    Modeling WIth Sinusoidial Functions

    Homework Statement The water depth in a harbor is 21m at high tide and 11m at low tide. Once cycle is completed every 12 hrs. (a) Find equation for the depth as a function of time. (b) Draw a graph for 48 hrs after low tide, which occurred at 14:00. (c) State the times where the water...
  36. yabb dabba do

    Modeling E and B field of power lines

    I’m confused: Long distance electric power lines are modeled with distributed impedance and are therefore modeled as transmission lines. Long distance electric power lines are considered to be a two wire line (for a single phase of the electric power line anyway). What other types of...
  37. D

    I Modeling a Binary Asteroid System Around the Sun

    I am trying to create a model/simulation for a pair of binary asteroids in orbit around the sun and I'm wondering what would the best way to do this? The restricted 3-body problem doesn't work as I can't assume any of the 3 bodies as having negligible effect right? However the full 3 body...
  38. D

    I Modeling a situation of task dependencies

    An interesting problem has come up in a project I'm working on and I'm looking to build a model to simulate what would happen in particular scenarios. I'll describe the situation in generic terms. I have x objects {1,2,3,...,x}, a pieces of type-A equipment, b pieces of type-B equipment and c...
  39. A. Neumaier

    I History of the modeling of light

    That a quantum detector responds to classical light precisely according to Einstein's formulas for the photoeffect was already shown briefly in 1926 (the year the Schroedinger equation was born) by Wentzel, and was described in full detail in 1964 (when the development of the laser strongly...
  40. J

    Advice on computer modeling a project

    Hello, I am using an arbitrary idea here to illustrate a question about computer modeling. I have a mechanical fan that uses xx power to produce a wind velocity of 50 mph in a calm environment. I want to know if a consistent wind blowing at 48 mph in the same direction as the fan is blowing...
  41. Phys_Boi

    Orbital Mechanics: Modeling a Planet's Path with Programming

    So I'm really interested in orbital mechanics. I'm only 16 so my knowledge of physics is restricted to an intermediate level. If there is a planet with large mass and a planet with small mass they are attracted to each other... So imagine a system where the large mass is fixed and the small...
  42. K

    Optimizing Circuit Design: Voltage Range, Internal Resistance, and Wire Sizing

    Hi all. In a project I'm working on I'm needing to model a DC circuit to find the required power sources/storage to keep the system voltages up to a sufficient level. There's a solar cell array, a reversible fuel cell stack, various DC "appliance" loads, and wire runs with resistances. I dug...
  43. P

    Modeling survival with a differential equation

    Homework Statement A health club is opened, the fraction of members still enrolled t months from their initial visit is given by the function f(t)= e-t/20. the club initially accepts 300 members and will accept new members at a rate of 10 per month. How many people will be enrolled 15 months...
  44. N

    Modeling an electric circuit by tracking individual charges

    Hello, Given a simple electric circuit like the one below (taken from Wikipedia) If we were to start from tracking all the forces acting on each individual free electron in the circuit, would it be possible to eventually find all the currents and voltages acting in the circuit? Probably a...
  45. MexChemE

    Modeling ideal gas flow using Bernoulli's equation

    Hello, PF! I'm currently brushing up my fluid mechanics and came across some questions while studying the compressible flow of an ideal gas using Bernoulli's equation. First, consider incompressible flow in the following system Neglecting any changes in elevation, the Bernoulli equation for...
  46. GeorgeDishman

    I Modeling the effects of GW and the "Earth Frame"

    First let me be clear, I am not questioning GR or the detection of gravitational waves by LIGO, I am trying to improve my own understanding of GW to the point where I can offer a graphic illustration (web video) showing what they do as they pass us to help others understand them. I started this...
  47. CopyOfA

    Modeling and Measuring an Electromagnetic Coil in ANSYS HFSS

    I've been attempting to model a simple electromagnetic coil using HFSS, and have so far been unsuccessful. I have no problems constructing the coil; this is a simple geometry problem. I have a wire of a known geometry with insulation surrounding the wire, then a construct a helical path and then...
  48. M

    EQualityCoin- What type of model is this?

    Hi everyone, I've been working on developing a crypto-currency called eQualityCoin for a while now and hoped someone here might be able to help me "classify" the system in a formal mathematical sense. The system's main feature is a simple rule for how it determines a purchaser's exchange...
  49. M

    Modeling 2D vs. 3D Flow in a Circular Pipe

    Hi everyone! I have the following problem. I have a two phase flow in a circular pipe and I want to model it. I need to decide and justify whether the model should be 2D or 3D. For the moment, I can say only one thing: considering z-axis in the length direction (that it is the dominant one) I...
  50. V

    What are the Max and Min Values for Tide Height?

    Homework Statement The height, h, in metres, of the tide in a given location on a given day at t hours after midnight can be modeled using the sinusoidal function h(t)= 5 sin 30 (t-5) + 7 (A) find max and min value for depth of water. (B) what time is high tide? What time is low tide? (C) what...
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