Modelling Basics

Abstract

Before turning to the problems of modelling in mechatronics, which is our immediate domain of interest in this study, we need to set up a descriptive foundation by clarifying the essential notions, as well as to define new relevant terms, i.e. to give names to some (new) notions, when appropriate. A name cannot change the appearance or the properties of the named entity, but nevertheless, it has a great impact on people’s attitude through associations that can be provoked — especially at the first contact with an entity. Improperly chosen or inadequate names can lead to misunderstandings and even misconceptions. As we shall see later on, names play an important role in communication, integration, standardization and other fields. We also use these names when we refer to the “building blocks of science” — notions, relations, facts, attributes and others. No “scientific house” (i.e. theory) can ever be built without such building blocks. For these reasons, special care should be taken when new terms are introduced or existing terms renamed. Due to the attempt to avoid invention of totally new words, the names chosen for some notions may seem strange at first glance, especially if considered out of context.