Modeling of Physical Systems

An introduction to nonlinear and continuous systems using bond graph methodology, this textbook gives readers the foundations they need to apply physical system models in practice

Giving an integrated and uniform approach to system modeling, analysis and control, this book uses realistic examples to link empirical, analytical and numerical approaches. This introduction gives readers the essential foundations towards more advanced and practical topics in systems engineering.  Rather than using only a linear modeling methodology, this book also uses nonlinear modeling approaches. This is a very useful aspect of the book, since engineers are often faced with modeling nonlinear physical systems. 

The authors approach the topic using bond graph methodology, a well known and powerful approach for the modeling and analysis of multi-energy domain systems at the physical level.  With a strong focus on the fundamentals, the authors ensure that the various modeling approaches available are outlined, always with implementation in mind. Beginning by covering core topics which engineering students will have been exposed to in their first two years of study, the next sections introduce systematic modeling development using a bond graph approach followed by analysis. The later chapters expand on the reader?s foundational understanding of systems, helping to begin dealing with more complex phenomena.  This includes making decisions about what to model and how much complexity is needed for a particular problem.  

• Includes tables summarizing fundamental modeling elements and principles, sets of problems and case studies of real-world applications
• Emphasizes simulation throughout the book as a means to enable reader understanding
• Topics introduced include: mechanical, electrical, thermal, fluid, magnetic and chemical systems
• Gives insight into controls problems by building a better understanding of the physical system and developing tools and methods that enable users to modify models

Joseph J. Beaman, University of Texas at Austin, USA

Professor Joseph J. Beaman joined The University of Texas at Austin faculty in 1979 and he is now Professor and Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His career work has been in both manufacturing and control and his specific manufacturing research interest is in Solid Freeform Fabrication, a manufacturing technology that produces freeform solid objects directly from a computer model of the object without part-specific tooling or knowledge. Dr. Beaman coined this term in 1987. One of the most successful Solid Freeform Fabrication approaches, Selective Laser Sintering, was a process that was developed in his laboratory. Professor Beaman has worked with graduate students and industrial concerns on the fundamental technology that spans materials, laser scanning techniques, thermal control, mold making techniques, direct metal fabrication, and biomedical applications. He was one of the founders of DTM Corporation (now merged with 3D Systems), which markets Selective Laser Sintering and is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

Raul G. Longoria, University of Texas at Austin, USA

Dr. Raul G. Longoria received the B.S.M.E. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1985 and 1989, respectively. He joined the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Texas at Austin (UT-Austin) in 1991 and holds the rank of Professor. His research interests focus on development and application of multi-disciplinary dynamic system modeling, vehicle system dynamics and controls, electromechanical system modeling and simulation, and medical device design and development. Dr. Longoria has been active on projects sponsored by Applied Materials, John Deere, LMS-CAE, National Instruments, Radian, SAIC, United Defense LP, as well by DARPA, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy. In recent years, he has a