Mathematics for Engineers and Technologists

3

Mathematical models

Summary

Engineers frequently have to devise and use mathematical models for systems. Mathematical modelling is the activity by which a problem involving the real-world is translated into mathematics to form a model which can then be used to provide information about the original real problem. Such mathematical models are essential in the design-to-test phase, in particular forming the benchmark by which a computer generated simulation can be measured prior to manufacturing a prototype. This chapter is an introduction to mathematical modelling for engineering systems, later chapters involving more detailed consideration of models.

Objectives

By the end of this chapter, the reader should be able to:

• understand what ...