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Methodology Mathematical Modeling MI 2010

Mathematical modeling involves translating a real-world problem into a simplified mathematical representation. This involves setting up a metaphor, formulating the problem mathematically, solving the mathematical model, and interpreting the solution in terms of the real problem. Finding the appropriate model requires conceptual thinking, simplifications, and collaboration between the problem owner and mathematician. The goal is to explain, predict and help decision making for the real-world problem.

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75 views21 pages

Methodology Mathematical Modeling MI 2010

Mathematical modeling involves translating a real-world problem into a simplified mathematical representation. This involves setting up a metaphor, formulating the problem mathematically, solving the mathematical model, and interpreting the solution in terms of the real problem. Finding the appropriate model requires conceptual thinking, simplifications, and collaboration between the problem owner and mathematician. The goal is to explain, predict and help decision making for the real-world problem.

Uploaded by

perry
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Methodology of

Mathematical Modeling

January 2010

A.C.T. Aarts

Mathematics for Industry


Mathematical Models

• Model:

• simplified representation of certain


aspects of a real system
• capturing the essence of that system

• Mathematical Model:
• using mathematical concepts:
• variables
• operators
• functions
• equations
• inequalities Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 1
Mathematical Models
• First-Principle Models
based on physical laws (e.g. Newton’s second law)
descriptive, explaining
material parameter values often not known (measurements)

• Stochastic Models
based on distributions, averages (e.g. risk models)
capable to deal with random phenomena,
hard to distinguish relations

• Empirical/data Models
based on (historical) patterns, data (e.g. Moore’s law)
not explaining, relations based on reality
Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 2
Mathematical Modeling
• Metaphor
• Non-uniqueness
• Outcome
• Skills
Mathematical
Modeling

Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 3


Metaphor

• Forming of mental image of situation being modeled


• Symbolizes the problem
• Using concepts & analogies

Creativity
Simplification

Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 4


Non-uniqueness

Simplification:

Non-uniqueness: choice of model depends on


• the form the solution needs to be (problem)
accuracy
• availability of data

Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 5


Outcome

A−1

Back to real world: Recommendations


based on
• qualitative results
• quantitative results

Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 6


Skills

• Mathematics

• Creativity

• Conceptual thinking

• Communication skills

Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 7


Aims

• Investigate behaviour and relation of elements of problem


• Consider all possibilities, evaluate alternatives, exclude
impossibilities
• Verification against measurements; result to be used in
other operating regimes

• Optimization
• Facilitate design and proto-typing
• Substantiate decisions

Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 8


Mathematical Modeling Cycle

Real Mathematical
world world

Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 9


Step 1: Specify the Problem
• What is background of the problem, its history and its causes.
• What do we want to know?
• Why is one interested in solving the problem? What are the limitations of the
current practice?
• What is the solution needed for? What is the purpose of solving the problem?
• What are the constraints to solving the problem?
• Who needs a solution?
• What is the impact/benefit of solving the problem?
• What problem is solved if one has found an answer?
• How will the outcome be judged?
• What form does the solution need to have?
What do you communicate to the Problem Owner?
• How would you implement the solution?
• Are there other related problems?
• What are the sources of facts and data,
and are they reliable?

Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 10


Step 2: Set up a metaphor

• What are the operative processes at work?


• What needs to be determined for solving the problem?
• What are the main features, which ones are relevant and which ones are not?
• What is the relation between the main features?
• Which features do change?
• What is controllable in the problem?
• What are the conditions?
• What are the relevant timescales and dimensions of the problem?
• What kind of material is considered, and what is characteristic of that
material?

Simplification Assumptions

Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 11


Step 2: Set up a metaphor

Assumptions made in real world

• whether or not to include certain features, and why


• about the relationships between features,
• about their relative effects.

Decisions: In collaboration with Problem Owner


• level of detail,

Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 12


Step 3: Formulate Mathematical Model

Translate relationships of metaphor

into

mathematical terms

Mathematical Model:
• Input and Output
• Constants
• State variables
• Independent variables
• Domain
• (Boundary / initial / constraint) conditions

Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 13


Step 4: Solve Mathematical Model

• Analytically
• Numerically
make equations dimensionless
calculations with O(1)-numbers

Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 14


Step 5: Interprete Solution

Retraction of conceptual leap

from

mathematical world

to

real-world problem
Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 15
Step 6: Compare with Reality

• Validation of model
• Extraction of model parameters
• Extension to other operating regimes

Model insufficient for solving problem

Re-enter modeling cycle again

Accuracy of measurements
Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 16
Step 7: Use Model to Explain, Predict, Decide, Design

• Determine:
• typical behaviour
• critical parameters
• trends
• dependency on control parameters

Recommendations

Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 17


Summary
Mathematical Modeling
• driven by the problem from the real world;
• also includes the interpretation of the solution

Finding an appropriate model is an art:

Mathematical Modeling:
−conceptual thinking
−appropriate simplifications
−close collaboration between Problem Owner and Mathematician.

Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 18


Literature

D. Edwards and M. Hamson, Guide to Mathematical


Modelling, MacMillan, 1989.

J.S. Berry, D.N. Burghes, I.D. Huntley, D.J.G. James, and


A.O.Moscardini (Eds.), Teaching and Applying Mathematical
Modelling, Wiley, 1984.

T.L. Saaty and J.M. Alexander, Thinking with Models,


Pergamon Press, 1981.
Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 19
This course

Focus on:
Step 2: Set up a metaphor (mental image)
Step 3: Formulate mathematical model
Step 4: Solve mathematical problem
Step 5: Interprete solution

Through:
Theory Mathematical Physics / lectures
Problems / assignments

Mathematics for Industry 2010 PAGE 20

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