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. K

    Ferromagnetism Modeling: Understanding the Basics and Finding a Mentor

    Please,,I think that in ferromagnetism modelling most of ideas is discussed I want to have some plan of master how can I contact with some professor to achieve this purpose to know the right answer...
  2. E

    Modeling Ball and Spinning System

    How should I go about modelling a ball and spinning beam system in matlab? It's similar to the ball and beam control system except the beam spins like a propeller so the control system has to account for the centripetal force. Any reference papers?
  3. F

    Strain rate material modeling

    I want to create stress/strain curves for Higher Strain Rates from an available stress/strain curve? I am interested on the mathematical formulation aspect to generate a Dyna Material card.
  4. Hellmut1956

    Model Pulley: Understanding System Physics

    Dear friends, I am a naval modelist and as i am retired due to health problems I use my project ob building a sail boat model as a red line to learn about the diverse technologies I am confronted on this path. So my goal is not that of finishing the project of my sail boat, but to learn ans...
  5. Y

    Modeling Quadratic Air Resistance in 2-D using Mathematica

    Homework Statement I am working on a little project in which I analyze a video I found online and try to determine if it is real of a hoax. The video I am analyzing includes a man throwing a football off of a football stadium (at the very top) and making it into a basketball hoop at field...
  6. L

    S11 and Frequency Modeling for Physical Parameter

    Hi all, I am trying to obtain an empirical equation/model having 2 inputs (frequency and S11) and one output (a physical parameter) I have done various simulations using CST of the System and now I am trying to relate S11 and frequency to a physical parameter. Any suggestions of how I should go...
  7. K

    Modeling mass-spring-dashpot system

    Homework Statement Suppose that the mass in a mass-spring-dashpot system with m = 25, c = 10, and k = 226 is set in motion with x(0) = 2 and x'(0) = 4. Find the smallest time t>0 for which x(t) = 0 Homework Equations mx'' + cx' + kx = 0 The Attempt at a Solution I rushed through this a bit...
  8. Raazi

    Modeling Hydrophobic Interactions

    Hi, I am trying to design or find a simulator for hydrophobic/hydrophilic interactions which can be used in tandem with a multi-objective optimization framework such as Jmetal or etc... I am having trouble determining a generalized approach for modeling the contact angle from younge's equation...
  9. B

    MATLAB [MATLAB] Modeling response of a particle in an anharmonic potential

    I'm trying to model the response of a particle in an anharmonic potential in MATLAB. I know that writing position, x as a function of potential energy U is, where T is the period, m is mass, and E is the energy of the system. How would I get a function for T(E) since it's not independent of...
  10. M

    Molecular Modeling: Geometry Optimization, Vibration Analyses & More

    Hi there! Is there an online, hopefully free resource (preferably textbook) that details the process of molecular modeling? Specifically, computationally performing geometry optimizations, vibrational analyses, calculating Raman spectra, detailing the theory behind Hartree-Fock, DFT, post-HF...
  11. Jimster41

    Operational Dynamic Modeling

    It seems like there are people working on dual formulations of fundamental interactions (dynamics, kinematics) all over the place: Quantum Spin Foams, Lattices, Energetic Causal Sets, Holographic Boundaries. Wondering whether anyone can point toward theoretical research looking at fundamental...
  12. R

    Solve Curveball Modeling Using Runge-Kutta4

    Hi there, so for my Differential equations class we are trying to model the vertical displacement of a curveball that is only in 2 dimensions, the X-Y plane, with Y being the vertical displacement, and X being the horizontal displacement. To do this we were told that the 2 forces acting on the...
  13. M

    Piezoelectric actuator modeling in ABAQUS

    1. Modeling accurately a piezoelectric stack-type actuator2. Please what are the necessary parameters and boundary conditions that one needs to define in Abaqus with regards to the above subject matter?3. I have defined elastic coefficients, permittivity, and piezoelectricity coefficients. I...
  14. B

    Molecular Modeling of Fluid Mechanics

    As I've been reading up on fluid mechanics recently, I've discovered several different molecular models which attempt to explain heterogeneous fluid flow from a molecular level. Classical fluid mechanics assumes that hard body approximation- that atoms are hard spheres knocking into each other...
  15. Hang11

    Modeling boiling in a closed container with a small hole

    I'm trying to build a mathematical model of something like Heron's Aeolipile: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeolipile I'd like to know, based on a known heat flux, the pressure and temperature attained in the container. I assume as water boils, the control volume loses mass and energy, the...
  16. N

    System of diff eqs modeling salt in tanks

    1. The problem dA/dt = -.02A dB/dt = .01A - .04B dC/dt = .01A + .04B A(0)=1000 B(0)=0 C(0)=0Come up with a sketch and a word problem involving three tanks for which the system of differential equations with initial conditions above applies. Have fresh water...
  17. N

    System of diff eqs modeling tanks of brine

    1. The problem Two very large tanks are each partially filled with 2000 gallons of brine. Initially 5000 ounces of salt is dissolved in tank A and 1000 ounces of salt is dissolved in tank B. The system is closed in that the well stirred liquid is only pumped between the two tanks. Four gallons...
  18. M

    Ansys Workbench : How to make a deformable face?

    I am using Workbench 14.5 structural and trying to model stretching of a 3D with a hole. the boundary conditions i am using are (as in the image): 1. frictionless support for below, left and back faces 2. displacement for right face as you can see in the result the upper face deforms and that is...
  19. C

    Is "explicit modeling" strict subset of parametric CAD?

    I am trying to make sense of these articles http://info.kubotek3d.com/3D-Engineering-Software-Tools-Kubotek-Blog/?Tag=Direct%20CAD%20vs%20Parametric%20CAD and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explicit_modeling . To me this sounds like "if using parametric relations is too complex, let's stop using...
  20. A

    Euler method for modeling simple harmonic oscillation

    Hello! An assignment for my computational modeling course is to demonstrate the use of the Standard Euler method for modeling a simple harmonic oscillator; in this case, a mass attached to the end of a spring. I have the two coupled first-order differential equations satisfying hookes law...
  21. C

    Methods for Modeling 2d Rocket Flight

    I've formulated a method for modeling the flight of a rocket projectile. Can anyone read it over and point out any mistakes false assumptions, etc? thanks!
  22. Raazi

    Surface Friction and Energy Modeling

    Hi, I am a student interested in wetting and super-hydrophobic surfaces. I am very new to this field and am a software engineer, and as such do not have strong mechanical or chemical background. I am trying to model contact angle and surface energy for super-hydrophobic surfaces. However my...
  23. S

    Modeling of Piezoelectric with using Abaqus

    Hi, I am a beginner user in the Abaqus software. I am trying to model the load on a piezoelectric to find the output voltage (EPOT). The model consists of the a load on the top surface of piezoelectric, the piezoelectric, and fixed condition in the bottom in the direction of Z. The problem is...
  24. H

    Modeling: Light irradiance and spatio-temporal decay

    Hello everyone! 1. Homework Statement I want to model the irradiance on a fluid element while it is flowing, from a fixed(above or below) light source that has an irradiance that shows first order decay with time and from x-naught to x-infinity . here are the assumptions: -Laminar flow at...
  25. A

    Modeling of moist-adiabatic temperature?

    Hi, I need to find some good article or book related to the modeling of this process: the parcel of air goes up from the surface to the top of troposphere ( to 12000 m ), we know the conditions at the bottom such as temperature, pressure and humidity, we assume that the parcel is isolated...
  26. Moossameli

    Modeling & Simulation in Physics: ZHAW Aviatik Course

    The importance of modeling and simulation for understanding physics is a central question of didactics. System dynamics is a promising method to achieve this goal. This method is applied at the Zurich University for Applied Sciences (ZHAW...
  27. ellipsis

    MATLAB [MATLAB] Modeling gravity using polar coordinates Argh

    I've been using MATLAB (ode45) to simulate the mechanics of a rocket under the forces of gravity, drag, and internal thrust.y I've recently refactored my simulation to include 2d space, orientation of the rocket, etc. (So I can try to make it orbit, finding optimal ascent profiles, etc)...
  28. J

    Modeling and Simulation (Spring, Mass, Damper system)

    Homework Statement 1. The first part of the problem was to find a transfer function. Output is the displacement of the mass (mass of pinion is negligible) 2.The next thing to do was find the poles, which I believe means set the denominator=0 and solve for s. 3. The next thing to do was find...
  29. D

    Modeling a quad rotor vibrations

    Homework Statement I have a system of five coupled ODEs. I believe I should be able to reduce it down to four coupled ODEs, but I am not sure how. This system is modeling a quad X rotor where the arms are viewed as end loaded cantilever beams with motors attached. Homework EquationsThe...
  30. C

    Viability of particle in a box modeling

    I've noticed that the example of a particle in a box is heavily used even for physical situations where there is no obvious box: for example when finding the degeneracy pressure in a neutron star one calculates the fermi-energy from a 3D-particle in a box. So I wondered: is there any good...
  31. B

    Modeling a car slowing down from speed

    Hello! I'm trying to model a car slowing down from speed with the forces of drag and friction and gravity from the road slope.. The model, which models the resistive forces is as follows.. [ Ffriction + Fdrag + Fslope ] / m = -a (deceleration) where: Friction force Ffriction = A...
  32. M

    Electrical Systems Modeling (finding current and voltage drops)

    Homework Statement Hello! I've been really unsure of whether my solutions to the first problem and part (b) of the second are right. My book gives few examples and so I've been trying to look on other websites for resources. Sorry if this is a lot, but any and all help would be appreciated...
  33. M

    Modeling Ducted Fan Flow with Affordable Software

    Hello, I was hoping someone on here could suggest some affordable software to model the flow produced by a ducted fan. I saw someone using Solidworks flow simulation, which is convenient because I can use SW to model the fan AND get a rough estimate of the thrust produced. I'm not looking for...
  34. Chacabucogod

    Why is my Transistor Reducing Voltage in Buck Converter Modeling?

    Hi I'm currently modeling a 5-12Vdc buck converter, and just out of nowhere decided to put a transistor between the output resistance and the diode. Now, this transistor is always connected to voltage so it shouldn't do anything at all, it's just a closed switch. What happens is that the...
  35. S

    Calculating Friction Force with Wedge Action Modeling

    Hi, kind of stuck with how to calculate frictional forces in a particular problem: I am modeling yarn using mass spring system, zero dimensional nodes. Question is, what to do when a yarn can get stuck between a wedge? How to calculate friction force vector, surface reaction and so? Since a...
  36. GFauxPas

    How Do Lagrange Multipliers Optimize Profits in Variable Marketing Models?

    Help please with a problem from my modelling and optimization class. We're doing 2 variable optimization using Lagrange Multipliers. We're also discussing shadow prices. The first part of this problem is to maximize profit using the price and advertising budget assumptions and data. The data...
  37. H

    Modeling index of refraction of dilute gases

    I'm interested in predicting the index of refraction of atmospheric air and several nonpolar gases at room temperature for pressures of 1 atm - 0 atm. I'm not really sure where to get started. I have found the relation n=\sqrt{1+\frac{3AP}{RT}} but I don't really get where it comes from. Well...
  38. B

    How Did We Develop Early Models of the Atom?

    In my studies, I find myself coming back to the same question.How do we know all these things about matter. Its quantized, it has mass and, charge and blah blah blah. I understand that these models of the building blocks of "physical things" are well tested mathematical models that attempt to...
  39. A

    Modeling an Accelerating Structure as Static

    Hello all, I am calculating the loads on an unconstrained structure in space that is accelerating. There is a constant known force (T) being applied to it at one end (point A). The structure is a rocket with distributed mass but let's assume it is a uniform beam with constant density. I would...
  40. CFDFEAGURU

    ANSYS Mechanical APDL - High Temperature Creep Modeling via Isochronous Curves

    ANSYS can be used to model creep in a number of different ways. If you are designing to ASME Section VIII, Div., 2 you might have to verify that your design meets the "shake down to elastic action" criteria. Basically, that means that the strains do not continue to increase over the number of...
  41. S

    Fluid mechanics modeling question

    Physics Forum: Can someone show me how to model, mathematically, what happens if you place a drink box with a straw sticking out of it, in a vacuum chamber and apply a vacuum?
  42. Chronos

    Planck dust modeling and BICEP2

    Planck dust modeling has been released [re: http://arxiv.org/abs/1409.2495] . It appears to be consistent with the assumptions of BICEP2, but, that is an unsupported assumption. I expected an immediate reaction from the BICEP2 team, or other interested parties. Perhaps I am merely impatient, or...
  43. M

    Modeling Deflection of Attached Plate in Sinusoidal Motion

    Hello everyone, Assume that you have a flat plate, that is moving up and down in a sinusoidal motion with the following equation: y = yo*sin(2*pi*f*t) where yo is the amplitude of the motion, f is the frequency and t is time. There is another smaller size plate attached to the edge...
  44. T

    Probelm with modeling a triangle

    Hi, i am trying to model a triangle in a square cell based on its dimension. However, i have some problem with parts of the code, i think it might be the logic behind my programming or over definition with the code itself. i have attached the code. the problem lies with the second half of...
  45. S

    Mechanical modeling of inflating a elastomeric balloon

    Hello PF, Can anyone recommend a set of governing equations for the design of a simple elastomeric balloon that will expand to a "hotdog" shape when inflated to a certain pressure? I have the stress-strain curve for the material, I know what pressure I need to inflate it to, I just can't...
  46. A

    Modelling an Asynchronous Machine with Road Load in Scilabs/Xcos: Need Help?

    Hello All, Firstly, I am very new to Scilabs/Xcos. I have some queries in modelling an asynchronous machine with a road load model. Can anybody save me ? Thank you in advance. Regards,
  47. I

    MHB Modeling with Differential Equations

    #1 Which of the following FUNCTIONS are SOLUTIONS (meaning PLURAL) of the differential equation $y''+y=sin(x)$? a. $y=sin(x)$ b. $y=cos(x)$ c. $y=\frac{1}{2}xsin(x)$ d. $y=\frac{-1}{2}xcos(x)$#2 Suppose you have just poured a cup of freshly brewed coffee with temperature $95^oC$ in a room where...
  48. A

    How can I enter a parabolic inlet profile in Comsol for 3D tube modeling?

    hello everyone is anybody here using comsol multiphysics? i'm trying to model a tube which the inlet is a fully developed fluid but the problem is how to enter a parabolic inlet profile for velocity in 2d axisymmetric it is very simple. but my model is 3d i've entered "r" as a variable in...
  49. V

    RELAP fuel rod-coolant response modeling

    Hi, I am a beginner with the use of relap. So this might be a bit silly. I am studying the heat transfer between a fuel rod and a single channel of coolant. One of the inputs for the heat structure is the direct moderator heating multiplier. What is that and how do I find its value? Thanks...
  50. P

    Looking for people in bayesian modeling

    I am starting a project on signal detection theory (cognitive focus), and working with a winbugs expansion in matlab. I am looking for good references, papers, books, anything that fully cover the theory of bayesian modeling and statistical inference (mostly with graphical modeling, since that...
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