The Elements of Modeling

Dynamic Systems

An on-line introductory textbook of computer modeling in the STELLA language.

by Dr. Stephen A. Norwick, Professor of Environmental Science,

Department of Environmental Studies and Planning Sonoma State University,

Rohnert Park, California, U.S.A.,

copywrite c 2001

You are free to make copies for your own use.

Part I, Simple Feedback Mechanisms

Chapter 01a Ramps

Chapter 01b Ramps fine points

Chapter 02 Concentrations

Chapter 02 Concentrations Energy

Chapter 03a Reference Control

Chapter 03b Concentrations and Reference Control

Chapter 03c Control Loops and Energy

Chapter 04 Output equilibrates to input

Chapter 05 Competing variable rates

Chapter 06 Resistance versus a constant rate

Chapter 07 Acceleration

Chapter 08 Dissaggregation - Cascades

Chapter 09 Recycling Matter

Chapter 10 Acceleration - J curves

Chapter 11 Sigmoids

Switches

Non-negative systems

Dynamic synergisms

Oscillations

Damping

Multiple conserved flows make oscillations

 

Part II, Topics in modeling and system dynamics

DT the integration interval or "What is really going on here?"

Flow diagrams

Level time shapes

Rate time shapes

Rate - level graphs

Estimating parameters

Measures of performance

Noise in deterministic models and real systems

Linear Parameter sensitivity testing

Non-linear parameter sensitivity testing

Goodness of fit

Optimization

 

 

 

Chapter 01a Ramps

Chapter 01b Ramps: Fine Points

Chapter 02 Concentrations and flows

Chapter 03 Reference control