Dynamic modeling refers to the use of computer programs to simulate the behavior of complex, changing systems. Such systems range from weather forecasting to the environmental impact of a pesticide to the economics of fish harvests. Hannon and Ruth have updated their introduction to modeling that has been welcomed by students in disciplines ranging from biology to chemistry to engineering to economics.

From a review of first edition: "[The authors] demonstrate convincingly that one can learn a lot about building and experimenting with and simulating dynamic models in a number of fields. ... Highly recommended for all studying model building and practical applications of systems theory." - Choice

Klappentext

The book uses STELLA software to develop simulation models, thus allowing readers to convert their understanding of a phenomenon to a computer model, and then run it to yield the inevitable dynamic consequences built into the structure. Part I provides an introduction to modeling dynamic systems, while Part II offers general modeling methods. Parts III through VIII then apply these methods to model real-world phenomena from chemistry, genetics, ecology, economics, and engineering. A clear, approachable introduction to the modeling process, of interest in any field where real problems can be illuminated by computer simulation.

Inhalt
1 Introduction.- 1 Modeling Dynamic Systems.- 2 Some General Methods for Modeling.- 2 Four-Model Set.- 3 Gradual Development of a Dynamic Model.- 4 Two Independent Variables.- 5 Randomness.- 6 Positive and Negative Feedback.- 7 Derivatives and Lags.- 3 Chemistry Models.- 8 The Law of Mass Action.- 9 Chance-Cleland Model for Enzyme-Substrate Interaction.- 10 The Olsen Oscillator.- 4 Genetics Models.- 11 Mating of Alleles.- 12 Natural Selection and Mutation.- 13 Artificial Worms.- 5 Ecological Models.- 14 Robin Population.- 15 Two-Stage Insect Model.- 16 The Zebra Mussel.- 17 Single Cell Forest.- 18 Predator-Prey Models.- 19 Epidemic Modeling.- 20 Reestablishment of Wolves.- 21 Lyme Disease.- 22 Tragedy of the Commons.- 6 Economic Models.- 23 Introduction to Modeling Economic Processes.- 24 The Competitive Firm.- 25 The Monopolistic Firm.- 26 Competitive Equilibrium.- 27 Substitution.- 28 Time Value.- 29 Opportunity Cost.- 30 Optimal Tree Cutting.- 31 Fisheries Reserve Model.- 32 Dynamic Scarcity.- 33 Market Game.- 34 Pig Cycle.- 7 Engineering Models.- 35 The Assembly Line.- 36 Models of Gravity and Acceleration.- 37 Chaos.- 8 Conclusion.- 38 Beginning a Dialog.- Appendixes.- A1 System Requirements.- A1.1 Macintosh.- A1.2 Windows.- A2 Quick Help Guide.- A2.1 Overview of the STELLA(r) Operating Environment.- A2.2 Drawing an Inflow to a Stock.- A2.3 Drawing an Outflow from a Stock.- A2.4 Replacing a Cloud with a Stock.- A2.5 Bending Flow Pipes.- A2.6 Repositioning Flow Pipes.- A2.7 Reversing Direction of a Flow.- A2.8 Flow Define DialogBuiltins.- A2.9 Moving Variable Names.- A2.10 Drawing Connectors.- A2.11 Defining Graphs and Tables.- A2.12 Dynamite Operations on Graphs and Tables.- References.