Engineering Modeling
Often in engineering, it is necessary to eliminate some of the complexities in a physical system by converting the system into an idealized physical model that will accurately represent the behavior of the original physical system.Therefore, one thing that engineers do a lot of in their professional careers is develop models of real physical systems. They do modeling.There are several general processes that are associated with engineering modeling. These often include some or all of the following.
- Making various simplifying assumptions about a system that help to make its analysis possible.
- Applying a few basic principles or physical laws to formulate mathematical equations that simulate the behavior of real objects or systems.
Models are useful because they can allow one to predict what a system will do in various situations. If one can accurately predict behavior of a system without resorting to expensive and time-consuming experimental tests, then one is better off.
One important footnote to the use of engineering models, however, is that before relying on a model it's necessary to test the model against reality - in at least a few well-chosen situations - to see if it truly is replicating reality.Copyright © 1998 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. All Rights Reserved.