COMPLEX AND DYNAMIC SYSTEMS

                                    COMPLEX AND DYNAMIC SYSTEMS

1.How does modelling help to better understand complex and dynamic system?

To understand any complex and dynamic systems, engineers or technicians are required to come up with a model of the system. This model is referred to as a prototype which is a model of the whole system. It helps in relating how different dynamic interactions are related in the system and how they combing efforts to work effectively before producing the real structure. Moreover, the model also is significant in determining the maximum stresses and strains which the system can withstand in order to avoid collapsing of the system. Since the system is dynamic, energy is required to keep the system in constant motion building up the urge to know the functionality of the multiple energy domains.

2.What is the most important step in dynamic system modelling and why? Explain your answer and provide an example.

The most important step in dynamic system modelling is defining the problem that will be solved by the system. Every dynamic system has a certain goal to achieve and without a clear problem defining technique, it is hard to come up with a model to represent the real system.  This in turn challenges the modeler to distinguish the necessary components that are going to make the model. The important physical components should be recognized in order to use the system theory to translate it to mathematical language to come up with an exact prototype. For instance, the process of production of hydro-electric power is an example of a dynamic system. The modelers should define the problem as the production of electricity so that they can come up with a model which uses the kinetic energy of water to turn turbines which eventually produce power.

3.What is the purpose of setting the boundary of your model and determining its subsystem components? Explain your answer and provide an example.

Setting of boundaries in the process of modelling a dynamic system model is very significant not only in the model but also in the real system. It aids in analyzing how the system will relate to the environment and also in designing the system. Furthermore, it limits the modeler to the problem solving “space” in order to maximize the concentration in coming up with a powerful solution. A system comprises of smaller systems called subsystems which have specific purposes towards the main objective of the dynamic system. The purpose of determining the subsystem components is to check whether their interdependence and interconnectivity are compatible because they always depend on each other to achieve a certain objective. For example, a vehicle comprises of many dynamic subsystems which include the engine, crank shaft and the breaking system.

4.Why do complex systems often appear to us as erratic and chaotic?

Complex systems are said to be chaotic and erratic because their processes are not steady but constantly changing over time. They include movements of back and forth causing turbulence thus causing chaos.

5.Identify, explain and provide an example of the three fundamental modes of system                 behavior.

The three modes of system behavior include the following:

• Exponential growth. – In this mode, an accelerating increase of the output of the system is noticed depending on the size of the system. For example, the population trend in India.
• Goal seeking. – in this system behavior, the system goes to a point of equilibrium searching for its objective. The rate of output of the system decreases rapidly. For example, the growth rate of people past 30 years of age.
• – This is whereby the output or the goals of the system shoots upwards and downwards below the targeted goal making the progress to be uneven (move in a wavy manner). For example, the rate of food production in Sub Saharan countries.

References

Sterman, John D. Business dynamics: systems thinking and modeling for a complex world. No. HD30. 2 S7835 2000. 2000.