What is Systems: Definition and 1000 Discussions

A system is a group of interacting or interrelated elements that act according to a set of rules to form a unified whole. A system, surrounded and influenced by its environment, is described by its boundaries, structure and purpose and expressed in its functioning. Systems are the subjects of study of systems theory.

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  1. ChrisVer

    Book recommendation on Binary systems

    I am looking for books that explain the binary (stars or black holes or whatever) systems in a good (introductory if possible) and/or extensive way... Thanks :)
  2. D

    Engineering I am 27 with a systems engineering and interested in physics

    I have been working about 4 years in the same company and got my engineering like 2 years ago, I am a good engineer but around 3 or 4 years ago I became very interested in physics and astrophysics. Maybe getting a BS in Germany because there is not very expensive, I am from Ecuador and I can get...
  3. Prashasti

    Modulation of waves (Communication Systems)

    Please look at the attachments below. I shall use the word "modulation" instead of "amplitude modulation" since I've been taught about AM only. So, my question is, in the first image (that I've attached), the messenger wave (which is modulated with the high frequency carrier wave) as well as...
  4. E

    Does the flow rate and pressure decrease as the exit height of a pump increases?

    OK, So I have been having an on and off debate with my family about this. I saw a pump at Home Depot that said it has a 30 ft head. Then it went on to show that the flow rate varied as the output of the pump changed in height. Now I thought that this was wrong. I just finished a course in...
  5. TheNerdConstant

    Could new physical laws be created for large systems?

    What i basically mean by this is that at this point in time we have classical and quantum physics, both need a different set of rules to describe their phenomenon due to the size of their appropriate systems why is this and does that mean we could also say the same for immensely large systems...
  6. R

    Why aren't turbines used in water supply systems?

    I had an idea to put a rotating mill turbine into the pipes that supply water to home tap systems. So that as the water flows through, the turbine is spun and electricity is produced. But why isn't this actually done?
  7. I_am_learning

    Book suggestions for communication systems?

    I am an EE graduate and I haven't had any pre-exposure to any signal analysis and communications course (I did mostly machines, power systems and control systems(where I have known about frequency domain)). I want to start learning about communication systems, from the early radios to the...
  8. J

    What is Systems Physics and how is it related to modeling and engineering?

    On youtube I found a reference to systems physics . Does anyone know what systems physics is? Video:
  9. Math Amateur

    MHB Northcott - Proposition 3 - Inductive Systems Maximal Elements are Prime Ideals

    I am reading D.G. Northcott's book: Lessons on Rings and Modules and Multiplicities. I am currently studying Chapter 2: Prime Ideals and Primary Submodules. I need help with an aspect of the proof Proposition 3 in Chapter 2 concerning the demonstration that all the maximal elements of \Omega...
  10. D

    Systems simulated by a simple percolation model using python

    I'm a first year physics student, and one of my assignment for my programming class is about percolation. I need to create some disks randomly distributed in an area (this is a 2-D), and then by varying the density of the disk, I need to figure out the percolation threshold such that the two...
  11. R

    Converting/Creating Coordinate Systems for Other Planets?

    Hi, this may be a very basic concept, but I'm trying to develop coordinate systems for other planets from their right ascension and declination and prime meridians so that, given a location on that planet, you could visualize the sky and its stars.. I've been reading...
  12. F

    Choice of Origin of Coordinate Systems

    I am having a personal discussion with somebody elsewhere (not on Physics Forums) and we are stuck at the moment because of a disagreement that I narrowed down to the question whether, in the context of SR, two observers in different reference frames can choose the origin of their coordinate...
  13. I

    Systems of Equations with Complex Numbers

    Mod note: This thread was moved from a technical math section, so doesn't include the homework template. I know this has been asked before, but none of the other posts have helped me. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to solve a system of equations with complex numbers. Here is a very...
  14. ghost313

    Systems with more than 1 wave function

    Hello,I am new to quantum mechanics.I just want to clear this equation: ψ(x) = ∑n anψn(x) What does this actually mean?Is this equation telling us that the system is moving as a wave? Or,as I think,for example let's suppouse we have 2 electrons in a system,and the wave function becomes this...
  15. O

    Finite difference discretization for systems of higher ODEs

    How can I use finite difference to discretize a system of fourth order differential equations? for example: y(4)+5y(3)-2y''+3y'-y=0
  16. K

    Heat capacity in 3-level systems

    Homework Statement I uploaded a picture of the problem here: http://imgur.com/kD35ROl Sorry about the norwegian text, the problem is this: The three figures with red lines indicate three different energy levels of a system in thermal equilibrium with a reservoir of temperature T. The three...
  17. E

    3D cad for piping and systems recommendation

    Hi everyone, as the title says, I am looking for a 3D cad to help visualise designs in piping systems and cut down errors. As a short background, I work in a small company which occasionally designs industrial gas pipings for pneumatic systems, gas delivery systems (to a lab, workshop, etc)...
  18. H

    CPV Solar Systems - Why Use Less Photovoltaic Material?

    Homework Statement Hey guys Concentrated photovoltaic systems are known for high efficiency performance compared to that of a standard solar panel. But, what's confusing me is the reason behind using lesser photovoltaic material in CPV systems. Can't we use the solar panel of the same size...
  19. G

    Digital Communication Systems - Autocorrelation

    Homework Statement A white noise process W(t) with unity (N_0/2 = 1) power spectral density is input to a linear system. The output of the linear system is X(t), where X(t) = W(t) - W(t - 1) Determine the autocorrelation of X(t) and sketch it. Homework Equations Let τ denote a time...
  20. R

    Control systems block diagram reduction

    Homework Statement Hi I am having trouble simplifying the attached diagram with respect to the return summing blockHomework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution there shouldn't be any superposition since there is only one input signal, in the attached file I've simplified A to Be: G3/(G2-G2G3G4)...
  21. D

    Study Plan for Astronautic Systems

    Hello everyone, I'm a math and philosophy double major currently in my junior year at University. So far, I've spent the better half of two years studying philosophy and have five credits to go before I complete the major (focused primarily on philosophy of science, and epistemology). This...
  22. Z

    Why Does General Relativity Use Coordinate Systems?

    If you look at Newtonian gravity, there is no major deal with coordinate systems. I am guessing we use coordinate systems because in general relativity we think of coordinate systems as different frames of references and that all frame of references must have the same laws of physics. Is that why?
  23. P

    Controllability of non-linear systems via Lie Brackets

    In http://www.me.berkeley.edu/ME237/6_cont_obs.pdf , page 65, the controllability matrix is defined as: $$C=[g_1, g_m,\dots,[g_i,g_j],[ad_{g_i}^k,g_j],\dots,[f,g_i],\dots,[ad_f^k,g_i],\dots]$$ where the systems is in general given by $$\dot{x}=f(x)+\sum_i^m{g_i(x)\mu_i}$$ Lets say you have a...
  24. M

    Understanding the physical meaning of phase shift in underdamped systems

    Hello all I know that the step response of a second order underdamped system is : y(t) = 1 – (e^(-ζωn*t) / sin(θ))*sin(ωd*t + θ) Where sin(θ)= sqrt(1-ζ^2) , ωd = sqrt(ωn^2 – ωn^2 * ζ^2 ) my question is: I can see on the simulation ωd and I can calculate it , but I want also to see the...
  25. M

    Differentiation of two similar systems

    Homework Statement Hi. i need help with understanding task with differentiation. i have two separate tasks, and i need help understanding why the solutions differ somewhat. system 1: Y = C + I + G C = f(Y-T) I = h(r) r = m(M) system 2: Y = C + I + G C = F(Y,T,r) I = f(Y,r) in system 1. when...
  26. N

    Optics Lab: Combined Lens Systems

    Homework Statement Given a system composed of a convergent lens and divergent lens (separation d between), how do I best calculate the focal length of the divergent lens? What is the best way to set up the system (converging lens first? diverging lens first?). There is plenty of documentation...
  27. C

    Systems of Differential Eq (Undetermined Coefficients)

    Hello guys, I need help solving this problem. Find the particular solution using method of undetermined coefficients: X'=AX + F(t) A= [4 ,1/3] <-- 1st row [9 , 6] <-- 2nd row F(t) = [-e^t,e^t] The complementary function is Xc=c1[1,3]e^(3t) + c2[1,9]e^(7t) Any help would be...
  28. B

    Equilibria in Nonlinear Systems

    So I'm reading the Example on page 161 of Differential Equations, Dynamical Systems and an Introduction to Chaos by Hirsh, Smale, and Devaney. I'm not understanding everything. So given the system x' = x + y^2 y' = -y we see this is non-linear. I get it that near the origin, y^2 tends to...
  29. datafiend

    MHB Systems of Non-Linear equations

    Hi all. I'm really at a loss on how to find the "other" points of intersection for this system of equations: x^2-y=4 x^2+y^2=4 Obviously we have a parabola and circle. I have solved for x and got "2", and plugged that back into get "0". However the answer has 4...
  30. J

    What are finance systems programmed in?

    Talking about banks, credit cards, card swipes, ATM machines...stocks/wallstreet all that stuff, is it C/C++ that is generally used?
  31. 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...
  32. ORF

    Is the principle of minimum action applicable to nonholonomic systems?

    Hello Is the principle of minimum action applicable to nonholonomic systems? Why? If this question is already answered in this forum, just tell me, and I will delete this thread. Thank you for your time :) Greetings PS: My mother language is not English, so I'll be glad if you correct any...
  33. T

    Lagrange multiplier systems of equations -- Help please

    Homework Statement Hi guys I am new here and i really need help with this question. I've tried it multiple times but can't find all the critical points, help would be greatly appreciated. the question is as follows: Find the maximum and minimum values of w=4x-(1/2)y+(27/2)z on the surface...
  34. M

    Equation of motion for a massless spring system

    Homework Statement Homework Equations f_spring = k(x_near - x_far) The Attempt at a Solution a. FBD: The force goes through the nodes, and the sum of the forces must be 0 because the nodes are massless. Therefore, kx_1 = x(t) So x_1(t) = x(t)/k b. FBD: For this system, the parallel...
  35. Ahmad Kishki

    Vectors in different coordinate systems

    how do i write vectors in polar coordinate? And what will the azimuth coordinate represent? I was trying to figure out the vector connecting a ring to its center using polar coordinates, so that i would perform an integration over d(phi) (finding the electric field due to a semicircle at the...
  36. ellipsis

    Minimizing systems of boolean functions as per specific gate costs

    I've been grappling with this problem for a long time, but I think someone on this forum may know about this. Minimizing the joint number of products of a system of boolean equations is well-studied, and has various software implementations. Those are the Quine-McCluskey and Espresso...
  37. B

    Help in control systems with feedfoward

    << Moderator Note -- thread moved from the EE forum to the HH forums >> Hi I am doing a HW assignment for my control systems and I just need some clarifications on some concepts so i can solve the problem. This is the current problem I am working on. 36) (Homework 4 Problem 2 – Feedforward...
  38. V

    Engineering Dynamics: Connected Systems

    Homework Statement A uniform bar ABCD having a mass of 4.25kg is pivoted at B shown in Figure below. The bar ABCD is supported at A and D by springs having stiffness’s of 12kN/m and 2kN/m respectively. A torsional spring of stiffness 100Nm/rad is also present at the pivot B and a damper is...
  39. S

    Toplogy book for study of dynamical systems

    need a good book on topology and metric spaces! I'm an undergrad taking a course on non-linear dynamical systems, just realising my pre-knowledge is slightly under the requirement since I have not taken any course on topology. I only know basic real analysis and some complex analysis. so any...
  40. M

    Calculating Neutral Current in Three-Phase Unbalanced Systems

    How to culculate neutral current in three phase system with unbalance load?
  41. T

    Linearization of non linear systems

    Homework Statement In my dynamics modelling class, the professor went over an example where we linearize non linear state equations to approximate the behavior. In this case, we are not given an operating point. However, the professor said you can solve for the operating point by setting x' =...
  42. N

    MHB Recommend books for dynamical systems?

    I am finding some topics a bit obscurely explained. I have attached the curriculum/study guide we are using, and was hoping someone could suggest books which cover these bases. Particularly finding week 8 a bit difficult at the moment, especially stability (surely just more robust revision and...
  43. R

    Seeking opinion of others on quantum systems control and estimation theory

    I am an EE graduate stumbled upon this exciting new field of research fusing control and estimation theory(EE) and quantum mechanics(Physics). I seeking opinion of experts and professionals regarding this field.I think it would be critical for development of new future quantum technologies and...
  44. almarpa

    Understanding the Derivation of Energy in Dielectric Systems

    Hello all. I have a doubt about the derivation of energy in dielectrics formula (Griffiths pages 191 - 192). In a certain step of the formula derivation, we encounter the following operation: (view formula below). I do not undertand that operation. Can someone help me?
  45. R

    Euclidean metric and non-Cartesian systems

    OK. A problem is simple and probably very stupid... In many (most of) maths books things like Euclidean metric, norm, scalar product etc. are defined in Cartesian coordinate system (that is one which is orthonormal). But what would happen if one were to define all these quantities in...
  46. JesseJC

    Does anybody have experience in Systems Engineering?

    Hey everyone, hopefully this is the right place to post this. I'm going into an undergraduate program in January, and I've been leaning towards the interdisciplinary program of systems engineering. I was wondering if anybody has had experience in this field? I would imagine it would be a...
  47. vead

    Suggest to me a new project on embedded systems

    hello friends I have to submit project in class within 3 months my guide told me you have to make project on embedded system (major project ) quality of project 1) idea should be new 2) we can modify old project 3) project should have multiple use 4) project should be...
  48. H

    Curie's Symmetry Principle and Heterogeneous Thermodynamic Systems

    I am trying to understand the (possible) couplings between scalar chemical reaction phenomena and vectorial phenomena such as heat conduction and mass diffusion. It is argued in the literature that I have read that the usual assumption of cross coefficients for scalar+vectorial phenomena only...
  49. V

    Determining Cost Effectiveness of Cyclone Filter for Gas Metering Systems

    Hi all, I need to know when it will be necessary to install a cyclone filter along with Filtration unit having cartridges in a Filtration skid for sales Gas Metering systems in pipeline projects.The Cyclone filter is being used to remove the solid loading in the gas whose size is in some...
  50. H

    Flat start for power systems design

    Hello all, would like to ask what seems to be a general rule when designing power systems. In the power system design program which I just started to use. It is advised that: For every simulation to be run, it is best to have a "flat start" before running any faults. I'm not too sure...
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