Figure 69: Definitions: Models as representation

 

 

 

a representation in three dimensions of an existing person or thing or of a proposed structure, esp. an a smaller scale

a simplified (often mathematical) description of a system etc., to assist calculations and predictions

 

 

a simplified version of something complex used, e. g. to analyse and solve problems or make predictions

 

 

something (abstract or physical) that represents 'the real thing'.
That entity may be anything from a single item or object (for example, a bolt) to a complete system of any size (for example, the Solar System).
In general, a model is an object which we study, not for its intrinsic interest, but because it is a formalized or simplified representation of a class of phenomena which can be studied easily.

 

 

A simplified description of a complex entity or process

Representation of something (sometimes on a smaller scale)

 

Science: A mathematical representation of a process, system, or object developed to understand its behavior or to make predictions. The representation always involves certain simplifications and assumptions.

Medicine:An object formed or poured in a matrix or impression, as of metal, plaster, etc.

Building & civil engineering: A scale model, usually a full-sized replica in wood, cardboard, canvas, etc, of a structure used for instructional purposes, to test the design.

Computing: A description of observed behaviour, simplified by ignoring certain details. Models allow complex systems to be understood and their behaviour predicted within the scope of the model, but may give incorrect descriptions and predictions for situations outside the realm of their intended use. A model may be used as the basis for simulation.

Mining: A facsimile in three dimensions - a reproduction in miniature of the surface and underground workings of a mine, showing the shafts, tunnels, crosscuts, etc., in all their details.

Public Administration: A simplified representation of a system, constructed and used as an aid to understanding that system. There are mathematical models, computer models, digital models, etc.

 

Mathematical modelling is the use of mathematical language to describe the behaviour of a system, be it biological, economic, electrical, mechanical, thermodynamic, or one of many other examples

Often when an engineer analyses a system or is supposed to control a system, he uses a mathematical model. In analysis, the engineer can build a descriptive model of the system as a hypothesis of how the system could work, or try to estimate how an unforseeable event could affect the system. Similarly, in control of a system the engineer can try out different control approaches in simulations.

 

 

Reference model is a notion used in standard conceptual computing models. It is an abstract representation of the entities and relationships involved in a problem space, and forms the conceptual basis for the development of more concrete models of the space, and ultimately implementations, in a computing context.