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. L

    Potential Energy and Potential -- Systems versus Particles

    When I first learned about these subjects, I did what was intuitive to me and treated particles as if they carried potential energy. I would do this similarly for rigid bodies where I would also treat them as a particles with their body's mass at the center of mass. This wasn't helped by...
  2. D

    Programs Is interdisciplinary engineering worth the money?

    I am considering a masters in interdisciplinary engineering from Purdue with a concentration in either systems engineering or computational engineering. Is this a waste of my time and money compared to just getting an aerospace masters and taking courses in systems engineering or computational...
  3. dvscrobe

    Getting Started With Control Systems

    I am in my 4th year in a Bachelor of Science Electrical Engineering Technology (BSEET) program that leans toward electrical transmission and distribution. I have had two courses in calculus, so have briefly covered differential equations. Unfortunately, my course curriculum does not cover...
  4. K

    I Coordinate systems on the 2-sphere

    If I define the two dimensional sphere in the usual way, this gives me a metric ##ds^2 = r^2 d\theta^2 + r^2 \sin^2 \theta d\phi^2##. Can I just define a new coordinate system giving a point coordinates ##(\theta', \phi') = (\theta r^2, \phi r^2 \sin^2 \theta)##?. This gives me the metric ##ds^2...
  5. cianfa72

    I About spacetime coordinate systems

    Hi, There is a point that, in my opinion, is not quite emphasized in the context of general relativity. It is the notion of spacetime coordinate systems that from the very foundation of general relativity are assumed to be all on the same footing. Nevertheless I believe each of them has to be...
  6. I

    Measuring Pressure For Compressible Fluid Systems?

    Is measuring pressure for a compressible fluid system angle dependent?For a compressible fluid, Bernoulli's Law gives us a relation between two points along a closed system. More specifically it gives us the relation between two cross sections belonging to two distinct points in the closed...
  7. Fisherman199

    LV Harmonic Filters for Utility Customer's Power Outages?

    Seeking the guidance of the Physics forums gurus, I was told this would be a good question to contribute to the community. Perhaps it will lead to an in-depth discussion of harmonics: Their creation, implications to power quality, and how to mitigate them. I've been looking at some power...
  8. Ultisonic

    Transfer Function and Control Systems Question

    ıs there anyone to solve 8th 9th and 10th problems? It is about transfer function and control systems http://avesis.yildiz.edu.tr/DokumanYetki.aspx?SSNO=33&USER=2813Password= 1234
  9. C

    Velocity Ratio in Gears & Wheels Systems: Inverting?

    Hi, if the velocity ratio is equal to the distance traveled by the effort divided by the distance traveled by the load, in a gears and wheels system, do you invert that in the case or gears? Making it number of teeth on driven gear divided by number of teeth on driving gear? Thanks
  10. C

    I Force fields in curvilinear coordinate systems

    I am trying to solve problems where I calculate work do to force along paths in cylindrical and spherical coordinates. I can do almost by rote the problems in Cartesian: given a force ##\vec{F} = f(x,y,z)\hat{x} + g(x,y,z)\hat{y}+ h(x,y,z)\hat{z}## I can parametricize my some curve ##\gamma...
  11. MattIverson

    Finding the Lagrangian Matrix for Two-Spring Systems

    Homework Statement The problem is attached. I'm working on the second system with the masses on a linear spring (not the first system). I think I solved part (a), but I'm not sure if I did what it was asking for. I'm not sure exactly what the question means by the... L=.5Tnn-.5Vnn. Namely, I'm...
  12. L

    Why is/is-not energy conserved in these scenarios?

    Homework Statement PROBLEM A: A small cube of mass m slides down a circular path of radius R cut into a large block of mass M. M rests on a table, and both blocks move without friction. The blocks are initially at rest, and m starts from the top of the path. Find the velocity v of the cube as...
  13. R

    Cold plasma technology and barrier discharge systems

    Hi there, I am currently doing a project involving cold-plasma technology systems. I am struggling to find papers relating to surface-micro barrier discharge systems, and the difference between those and dielectric barrier discharge systems. Any help would be greatly appreciated, however basic.
  14. S

    Physicists who do research on complex systems

    Hi everyone. I have followed with interest in the work of physicists who have conducted research in the area of complex systems and nonlinear dynamics. For example, consider researchers such as Mark Newman from the University of Michigan, Jim Crutchfield of USC, or Doyne Farmer and David Wolpert...
  15. S

    Physics concepts behind pneumatic tube systems?

    I have a project for my physics class that revolves around the idea of building a working pneumatic tube system. I understand how I would build it and such but my teacher wants me to explain the theory behind it. Does anyone have any ideas about the physics behind this or the principles, rules...
  16. DarkStar42

    I Would Newton's shell theorem prevent binary planet systems?

    Would the shell theorem prevent a binary planet system, with two ideally equal masses, structure etc?
  17. DarkStar42

    A Do any coordinate systems include self magnification?

    Take a neutron star, its surface will be gravitationally self magnified so that it looks bigger to the distant observer, than it 'really' is, plus you can see some of the rear facing surface. If you take the centre of the neutron star, then this process must go on there also, although unseen...
  18. stockzahn

    Two operating systems or a virtual machine

    Dear all, my PC runs on Windows 10. In the near future I will have to perform some simulations with Open FOAM. I've already done that some years ago (Windows 7 and I used a virtual machine to be able to run Ubuntu/Open FOAM). My experiences were that the program was executed very slow (despite...
  19. maistral

    Diffusivity coefficients in multicomponent systems

    Hi. Is anyone aware of a method to estimate diffusivities in multicomponent systems? Ie. Finding the gas diffusivity coefficient of ethane in an air-methane mixture, or the liquid diffusivity coefficient of acetone in a water-ethanol mixture.
  20. Telemachus

    I Vector that satisfies systems of equations simultaneously

    Hi. I want to normalize a discretized function ##p_{k,k'}##, to satisfy simultaneously two conditions. The normalized function ##p^*_{k,k'}## has to satisfy simultaneously: 1) ##\sum_{k=1}^{M} p^*_{k,k'} w_k=1##, for all ##k'=1,2,...,M##; 2) ##\sum_{k=1}^{M} p^*_{k,k'} w_k \hat \Omega_k \cdot...
  21. S

    CO2 vs Nitrogen in LPG Systems

    Hi In a new LPG-cylinder it helps 1. time lighting of gas if the cylinder is charged with CO2 instead of air prefilling of LPG. Will Nitrogen have same effect?
  22. WeiShan Ng

    [QM] Two-Particle Systems: overlapping/non-overlapping wavefunctions

    Homework Statement Hi, I was reading Griffiths and stumble upon some questions. This is from 5.1.2 Exchange Forces. The section is trying to work out the square of the separation distance between two particles, $$\langle (x_1 - x_2)^2 \rangle = \langle x_1^2 \rangle + \langle x_2^2 \rangle -...
  23. S

    Coordinate Systems and Components of a Vector

    Homework Statement Two points in a plane have polar coordinates P1(2.500m, pie/6) and P2(3.800m, 2pie/3) . Determine their Cartesian coordinates and the distance between them in the Cartesian coordinate system. Round the distance to a nearest centimeter.Homework Equations Ax=Acosθ Ay=Asinθ...
  24. G

    Dynamics cart systems: Vernier vs. Pasco?

    I'm new to this forum, so please forgive if this is posted in the wrong thread and redirect me. I teach high school Physics and we just got a large unexpected grant which means I can finally buy a set of dynamics cart and track systems for my classroom. I am trying to decide between buying...
  25. P

    Thermal equilibrium in open systems

    Is it possible for an open system to reach thermal equilibrium? why/why not?
  26. Benhur

    I Deterministic chaos in linear systems

    I was reading a paper about deterministic chaos, where the author had commented that non-linear systems can be affected by this. My question is whether some linear systems can also have chaotic behavior. It is possible? Thank you
  27. T

    Cooling & Heating Load Calcs for Passive Chilled Beam Systems in Hotels

    Hello, I was tasked with calculating the cooling and heating load calculations for a hotel which employs passive chilled beam systems using HAP. Can someone please provide me with the highlights of the calculation procedure and things to watch out for, especially things that differ from load...
  28. Highwire

    [The Theoretical Minimum] Can closed systems exist?

    Homework Statement The first exercise in Susskind and Hrabovsky's The Theoretical Minimum is one that, in the words of Susskind, "is designed to make you think, more than it is designed to test you." The exercise asks: Homework Equations In the prior paragraph, the authors define the notion...
  29. Jarvis323

    A Choices of Axiomatic and Number Systems / Sets and Alternatives

    I know that the number systems we use are typically constructed from axiomatic set theory, and overall our choices along the way seam to have been largely informed by practical consideration (e.g. to resolve ambiguities, or do away with limitations). Today I randomly started to think deeper...
  30. P

    Single Line Diagram - Power Systems

    Hey everybody, Its recurrent in Power System Analysis and Electrical Instalations the SL diagram. I need recommendations of books in which I can read about it. I've done a little research but couldn't find anything. Thats amusing, in which classes are this diagram teached for the first time...
  31. A

    MHB Lemma 4.5.1 on page 77 in the book Averaging Methods in Nonlinear Dynamical Systems

    I need your advice on understanding a proof of a lemma from a book I am reading. I asked my question in overflow: https://mathoverflow.net/questions/299408/lemma-4-5-1-on-page-77-in-the-book-averaging-methods-in-nonlinear-dynamical-syst Does anyone understand the proof and can answer my...
  32. B

    Derivation of resonant frequency for SHM systems

    Homework Statement My question here isn't a specific question that has been given for homework, but a more general one. For an assignment I have to 'derive an expression for the resonant frequency, ω0' for two different systems, the first for 'a mass M connected to rigid walls via two springs'...
  33. lc99

    Quick Statics Problem (equi. systems)

    Homework Statement Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution I am getting 5/2 m as the answer. (not a choice) FR = -F1 -3F1 = -4F1 Mo = -F1(1) - 3F1(3) = -10F1 Mo = FRx x = -10/-4 = 5/2
  34. A

    Relevant highest order harmonics in power systems

    i am learning about harmonic analyzers and i have a couple of questions concerning them that need some sort of practical experience to answer them ( and i have none :) ) : 1-can harmonic analyzer analyze up to any harmonic? or is there a maximum ? if there is no maximum what's the highest...
  35. I

    Spontaneous uncoded chemical reactions in living systems?

    How easy (or not) is it for spontaneous chemical reactions to occur in a living cell, but particularly reactions that are not a result of and between coded molecules? For example, when we eat food, in the process while the essential molecules are being taken to be integrated into "coded...
  36. K

    I Coordinate systems in ##\mathbb{R}^2##

    I want to show some of my current understanding/findings involving vector spaces. The reason is two fold: to ask whether my current understanding is ok and to give context for a specific question in the end. The set ##\{(x,0), (0,y) \}##, with ##x,y \in \mathbb{R}##, spans ##\mathbb{R}^2##. For...
  37. A

    Mathematics behind Signal and Systems

    I am looking for a signal processing textbook that uses real, complex, and functional analysis with measure theory. In other words, mathematically rigorous signal processing. Specifically, I prefer the kind that takes time to review all the topics from mathematical analysis before jumping into...
  38. R

    B Do systems continually evolve?

    As part of another discussion in the relativity forum about the flow of time one of the points I raised was that afaik if I investigate any system over time I’d find that it was impossible for that system to remain unchanged. Certain properties of the system may not change over time. But if I...
  39. C

    MHB Example of systems of the differential linear equations

    Dear Everybody, I have a question about an example: "Solve the system: $x'(t)=3x(t)-4y(t)+1$ $y'(t)=4x(t)-7y(t)+10t$ We write the system using the operator notation: $(D-3)[x]+4y=1$ $-4x+(D+7)[y]=10t$ We can eliminate x from this system by adding 4 times the first equation to $(D-3)$...
  40. nabs16

    Damping effect in piezoelectric energy harvesting systems

    Hi, I have to make a report on an energy harvesting system using piezolectric materials by comparing two methods each other which are: the standard technique (rectifier bridge+filtering capacitance) and the nonlinear technique, by adding to the standard device a switch and an inductor in...
  41. W

    QM: Formalism of 2-state systems

    Homework Statement Hi all, I'm working on the following problem and would like some help. Many thanks in advance! The Figure below presents the Mach-Zehnder interferometer with an additional phase shift element in the upper path. $$\left( \begin{array}{cc} e^{i\phi} & 0 \\ 0 & 1 \end{array}...
  42. physea

    B Analyzing open steady flow systems with SFEE vs. Rankine cycle analysis

    Hello I have a point that I don't understand. In open steady flow systems, we use SFEE, where there's a term W in addition to a term PV, which are different things. When we analyse a cycle like Rankine, we always consider either W or PV, but not both. I also think that W=PdV always. Why that...
  43. quasarLie

    How to Calculate Mass of Binary Star Systems Using Kepler's Law and Iteration?

    Homework Statement I have to calculate the mass of an astrometric binaries with P=10 years, and a1=15mas, parallax w=64mas the luminosity is neglected Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution i used this equation: M_1 + M_2 = \frac{(a/w)^3}{p^2} but the problem is taht i don't have M1
  44. M

    Inconsistent Linear Systems: Solving for k

    Homework Statement For what value(s) of k is the linear system with augmented matrix inconsistent? Homework Equations None. The Attempt at a Solution I know that inconsistent means no solution. So do I set k=2k and solve for k?
  45. C

    Kinematics Problem Help (accident-avoidance systems for oil tankers)

    Homework Statement Because of your technical background, you have been given a job as a student assistant in a university research laboratory that has been investigating possible accident-avoidance systems for oil tankers. Your group is concerned about oil spills in the North Atlantic caused by...
  46. J

    Principle of virtual work for continuous systems

    I always thought that the principle of virtual work (PVW) is valid for all structures, including continuous structures (like bars, beams, plates, etc.). However, in his book 'Fundamentals of Structural Mechanics', Hjelmstad states that the PVW is only valid for discrete systems with N particles...
  47. Biker

    B Will we be able to visit other solar systems anytime soon?

    Is there any promising ways to do that? Will it be within a person's life time? I am talking about both unmanned ships and eventually manned ones. Will there ever be a fast way to get to other systems or is humanity just stuck to earth? The idea that everything is there but unreachable is just...
  48. R

    Solutions to systems of linear equations

    Homework Statement Determine whether of not each system has a nonzero solution. x + 3y - 2z = 0 2x - 3y + z = 0 3x - 2y + 2z = 0 Homework EquationsThe Attempt at a Solution Using a ti-84 I put the matrix in rref and I get a nonzero solution for x and y and zero for z but when I find the...
  49. M

    I Understanding Magnetometer & SQUID Property Measurement Systems

    Hello, Please I don't get how a Magnetometer property measurement system (MPMS) and a Superconductor quantum interference device (SQUİD) are working, can someone explain it ? Thank you very much
  50. NFuller

    Statistical Mechanics Part I: Equilibrium Systems - Comments

    Greg Bernhardt submitted a new PF Insights post Statistical Mechanics Part I: Equilibrium Systems Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
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