What is Modelling: Definition and 286 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. A

    Population Growth Modelling

    The Problem: Consider a species in which no individuals live beyond 3 years. Divide the population into four age groups labelled by n = 0,1,2 and 3. Assume that only the second and third groups can reproduce. For each group n let bn denote the birthrate and d_n the death rate. Find a matrix A...
  2. E

    Mathematica Math Modelling with Differential Equations for Physics

    hi guys, i am an 11th grade student who loves physics and i have been doing lots of advanced problems from books like irodov,etc. I recently came across something called mathmatical modelling via differential equations. And my teacher once mentioned that u can solve most of problems of...
  3. A

    Is My Equation for Modelling Air Resistance in a Computer Game Accurate?

    Hi, I'm trying to model air resistance to try and predict where destroyer gun shells will land on an online computer game. I've tried quite a few things which have met with some success but are not accurate enough. I think however this time I might have found a better solution in the form of...
  4. R

    Making a Decision: Modelling or Study?

    The other day I met a up and coming fashion designer from florida. We got talking and found we had a lot in common, I showed him some of the outfits I had designed and made and he loved them! (he also showed me his designs) He then offered me a free trip to florida to be a runway model for the...
  5. J

    Mathematica Mathematical modelling - Fishery - Harvest equation

    A logistic function has formula U(n+1)=rUn This models the growth in the fish population from year n to year n+1. If you now decided to harvest H fish, your equation looks like this: U(n+1)=rUn-H Now, they want me to find the maximum H for which the population stays constant (growth factor...
  6. G

    Medical Modelling Memory Consolidation using Neural Networks

    Hi guys, If there's anyone out there who has knowledge in this area, I'm seeking to find out how to model memory consolidation using neural networks. I was thinking of using a Hopfield network to train another Hopfield network. The first network would represent the hippocampus, and the...
  7. 3

    Simple Computer modelling - Software suggestions

    Hello all, i have a small dilema. I am interested in computer simulation for engineering and design purposes. I am currently evaluating as many of the available ( and free or accessible to joe public ) applications/software systems for engineering simulations and dynamics, with the aim of...
  8. E

    Modelling missing hydrogens from X-ray crystallography

    I had recently stumbled upon a computer program that can automatically add missing hydrogen atoms to protein structures from files from the protein data bank. (due to the hydrogen atom having only 1 electron, hence making its electron density too low to be detected by X-ray crystallography...
  9. J

    Help in modelling a Electric Distribution System

    I am doing my final year project on the modelling of a dc zonal electric distribution system for a navy shipboard to analyse its stability. I am planning to use Matlab for the modelling and similation. I have a few problems on the way ... I am not able to model a simple buck converter (Ship...
  10. A

    Modelling with polynomials

    5 A particle moves horizontally in a straight line according to the rule x(t) = t^3 − 5t^2 + 3t − 5, 0 ≤ t ≤ 7 where x metres is its displacement to the right of the origin at time t seconds. a What is the initial position of the particle? b After how many seconds does the particle pass...
  11. A

    Modelling with polynomials and rational functions

    4 The height, x metres, of a diver above a swimming pool at time t seconds after he has bounced from the diving board can be modeled by the function x(t)= 3- 3t (3t^2/2) a How long, in seconds, after he has bounced from the diving board does the diver reach his maximum height? b What is the...
  12. T

    Is Modeling or Pure Mathematical Equations Better for Analyzing Capacitors?

    Hi, When modelling something such as a capacitor using a method like Boundary Element Analysis (BEM) then this may lead you to a visual model i.e it shows you the charge across the plates or the density of the fringing field, rather than a method which uses a pure mathematics such as Gauss'...
  13. N

    How to decide between 2 fields of research(Astrophysics vs Brain Modelling)?

    Hi, I get my grad school decision in about 2 weeks.:cry: I'm having a problem deciding between 2 fields that I would love to do a research project in. Both involve Computational/Simulations Science [Computer Science(computability and 3D engine development) & Mathematics]. The 1st is...
  14. H

    Mathematica Mathematical Modelling Question

    HELP: Mathematical Modelling Question Hi Given X_1 \ldots X_n be stochastic independent variables with the distribution functions F_X_{1}, \ldots ,F_X_{n} . U = min(X_1 \ldots X_n) and V = min(X_1 \ldots X_n). F_{U} and F_{V} for U and V, and let F_{U,V} be simultaneously distribution...
  15. A

    Solving Friction & Heat Generated: Analytical Modeling

    What is the best way to solve for friction, and in particular, heat generated due to friction (Qfric), analytically? The first presumption is that is a sliding contact (the domain can be either 2D or 3D, it doesn't really matter yet at this point). One model is to have two rectangles...
  16. D

    Realistic Meteor Impact Modelling: Is This YouTube Video Accurate?

    i found this video on youtube.com. Basically it is a modelling of how the Earth will be affected when a meteor hit Earth. Heres the link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=3JHdYBet_4Q I wonder, is this modelling close to a realistic modelling? P/s: It is in japanese.
  17. L

    Mathematica Mathematical modelling question

    Hey, So, In a question about finding volume in a dome we were Given that V = pi.k(k^2/r - k^2/3r^3 - r/8) And K = m/2pi.p.t Firstly we are asked to obtain an expression for the value of r that maximises the volume of air and rearrange to obtain an equation of the form ar^4 + br^2 + c =...
  18. H

    The Expanding Universe: Calculating Real-Time Distances of Objects

    Hello, All, I hope I am not out of line here, this is the only cosmology forum I could find to ask a few questions... I am considering developing a piece of software that can produce a 3D model of cataloged objects, by querying something like NED or SIMBAD, and generating this as a real...
  19. L

    Solving Proportionality: Cost of Running a Business w/ 18 Employees

    Hi a few questions i want to check my answers for here, 3. Write down an expression, evaluate the constant of proportionality, and answer the question. [Remember to work in SI units. Simplify answers to 1 d.p. only.] (a) The annual cost (C) of running a business is partly constant and...
  20. I

    Infrared static earth sensor modelling

    hello. i am university student and currently doing infrared static Earth sensor modelling. Here, i need some help in making my project. is there anyone who knows about modelling the static Earth sensor? it is really a great help if you can tell me all the steps in making the model..
  21. H

    Solving a Modelling Problem Involving a Sink

    I'm dong a question that involves a sink. The aim is to determine the dimensions of the sink (width and length) which will provide the greated cross-sectional area by modelling using an equation. Here's the catch: you are only allowed a sheet of stainless steel that it 60cm wide and a 5cm...
  22. I

    Modelling Taxy Duration Distribution & Deriving Probability of Occurrence

    Hiya, I have been looking at a problem, and just can’t get my head round the right way to tackle it. I have a whole heap of data for an airline showing the taxy duration of each of their flights (this is the time taken to go from the gate to actual lift off). As I see it, there are 3...
  23. L

    Astro- modelling a white dwarf via polytrope

    have solved the lane - emden eqn numerically for scaled radius, and the derivative of scaled pressure with respect of scaled radius, are given the eqn of state, n, and mass, how would i go about working out the central density and the radius? thanks
  24. I

    Fire Modelling: An Overview of Knowledge and Techniques

    does anyone have any knowledge on fire modelling?
  25. J

    Thermodynamics: Modelling the internal environment of a tent

    Hi, I am trying to model the temperature profile of the inside of a tent, with a view to introducing a fan which can suck outside air, to inside the tent, to cool it down on a hot sunny summer morning. I thought I would start by just trying to model the interior of a tent in these...
  26. $

    Modelling Air Resistance using Differential Equation

    hi , As a part of my project, i am modelling air resistance using a differential equation. For the write up, i need to discuss what assumptions i am making. I have the rest of the coursework sorted out. I have a few idea . Air resistance is presumed to be consistent. ( i.e no...
  27. Clausius2

    Modelling a mechanical element in ANSYS

    I have modelling a mechanical element in ANSYS. Those who have used it will know what I am talking about. I want to obtain the reaction forces at the supports (Fx,Fy,Fz,Mx,My,Mz). So I go to List Reaction forces command window and Ansys gives me a list of nodes and its single reaction: PRINT...
  28. B

    Creating a New Model for Friction Based on Experimental Results

    What would be the best way to come up with a new model for friction based on my experimental results? I have been finding the angle at which a block slides, or topples when the angle it is inclined at is increased. This has been done with blocks that are of different heights (towers of...
  29. N

    System Modelling: Books & Resources for Real Life Systems

    Hi, Recently I have started with learning mathematical system modelling. I seems very interesting so I am looking for books to learn more. Could anyone recommend some good books or some web address about doing mathematical models for real life systems (engineering, economics, human...
  30. M

    Parrot algorithem and box modelling

    hi I want know, what is parrot algorithem which is used to find the relectivity profile, how it is related to box modelling! can you explain? cheers Manesh
  31. C

    Modelling Drug Dosages to Reach Target Level

    Although I don't want to be given a straight answer to this question, I would really appreciated some help to point me in the right direction. The amount of a drug in the body follows the equation y=De^(-kt) , where D is the initial dosage, k=(ln2)/6.7 , and t is the time in days since the...
  32. V

    How can I model the motion of a wave with changing amplitude?

    i have a wave function and i would like to see how it acts after it receives my first input. I would like to see its ups and downs and its different color when its amplitude is changed after the function value reaches a certain point. For example let say y=Asin(x+p). Would you please tell me...
  33. J

    Learning Basics of Stellar Modelling

    I'm trying to teach myself some of the early basics of stellar modelling and hope to write some code to calculate conditions within the star Assuming a constant and homogenous composition and simplified calculations of pressure equation of state and opacity. Simplified assumption of...
  34. J

    How to Model a Control System for an RLC Circuit?

    Hi I was wondering if anyone knew of any good tutorials on modelling control systems - I have to convert a RCL circuit to a control system - i understand things like how to express components mathmatically but am confused as to steps I should take to make sure I do a thorough model? Any...
  35. T

    Quantum effects in very small scale numerical modelling

    For those of you familiar with numerical modelling of various phenomena, you will know about work like the various discretisation schemes, stability/gradient limiters for high order schemes and so on. The most broad sweeping improvement to the field of numerical modelling would ultimately be...
  36. K

    Abstract explosion modelling - how to?

    I want to model an extremely simplified explosion in a little program I have. All I want to do is accurately model the movement of a single object affected by this explosion in a void. Here's how I'm thinking about things so far. I'd appreciate it if people could tell me whether I'm on the...
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