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Playing With Models
Dr Michael J McCann
If you don't understand something, it's out of control. If you
can't quantify the underlying causal nature of its behavior then you don't understand it. Making and playing with
working models is a good way to develop the understanding because it forces you to get the essential facts in clear
and unambiguous form.
However, mathematical model making (simulation, analysis) is something of a black art. It involves the translation
of verbal or visual description into formal language to define a computable version.
By drawing on many years of experience going back to 300V analogue computers, and currently using tools like Mathcad
and other software, the process is illustrated as the basis for an open discussion of how to set about it and develop
the repertoire of representative forms that enable the translation
Examples are taken from the chemical and process industries, bio-production, automated manufacturing, vacuum web
coating, initiation of explosives,
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