Woodhead Publishing Modelling and Simulation of Integrated Systems in Engineering: Issues of Methodology, Quality, Testing and Application

This book places particular emphasis on issues of model quality and ideas of model testing and validation. Mathematical and computer-based models provide a foundation for explaining complex behaviour, decision-making, engineering design and for real-time simulators for research and training. Many engineering design techniques depend on suitable models, assessment of the adequacy of a given model for an intended application is therefore critically important. Generic model structures and dependable libraries of sub-models that can be applied repeatedly are increasingly important. Applications are drawn from the fields of mechanical, aeronautical and control engineering, and involve non-linear lumped-parameter models described by ordinary differential equations. Key Features: focuses on issues of model quality and the suitability of a given model for a specific application; multidisciplinary problems within engineering feature strongly in the applications; the development and testing of nonlinear dynamic models is given very strong emphasis. Contents: The principles of system modelling; Integrated systems and their significance for system modelling; Problem organisation; Inverse simulation for system modelling and design; Methods and applications of parameter sensitivity analysis; Experimental modelling: system identification, parameter estimation and model optimisation techniques; Issues of model quality and the validation of dynamic models; Real-time simulation, virtual prototyping and partial-system testing; Model management; Further discussion.