On the Modeling of a Continuous Oscillator by Oscillators with a Finite Number of Degrees of Freedom

Abstract

In an engineering approach continuous systems are often modeled by systems with a finite number of degrees of freedom. This way of modeling is usually based on arguments and principles from e.g. mechanics or physics. In this paper a continuous system and a system with a finite number of degrees of freedom are considered. Both systems are oscillators in a uniform wind field. An attempt is made to answer the question if on the basis of the behaviour of the solutions of the equations of motion of the oscillators, the engineering way of modeling may be understand or justified.