76 research outputs found
On the general structure of mathematical models for physical systems
It is proposed that the mathematical models for any physical systems that are
based in first principles, such as conservation laws or balance principles,
have some common elements, namely, a space of kinematical states, a space of
dynamical states, a constitutive law that associates dynamical states with
kinematical states, as well as a duality principle. The equations of motion or
statics then come about from, on the one hand, specifying the integrability of
the kinematical state, and on the other hand, specifying a statement that is
dual to it for the dynamical states. Examples are given from various
fundamental physical systems.Comment: 34 pages; Ann. Phys. (Berlin), 1-25 (2011
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