Improved techniques for digital modeling and simulation of nonlinear systems

Abstract

The engineer or scientist concerned with the mathematical description of physical systems is continually faced with nonlinear formulations. The nonlinearity may be represented in the form of a differential equation representing process or system dynamics. On the other hand, nonlinear control element characteristics such as hysteresis, saturation, backlash, or nonlinear damping, whose mathematical description is algebraic, may appear. In many instances the mathematical formulation for system description may become so unwieldy that an analytical solution is either impractical or impossible. It is particularly in situations like these that digital simulation has become an invaluable tool.