Complex Processes in Electrochemical Systems
Abstract
The study of the individual components comprising a physical system is a necessary first step for understanding the behavior of the system. However, when the individual components are brought together, unexpected consequences have a way of taking place that were not anticipated by the studies on the individual components. This is usually the consequence of the union of components that comprise a non-linear system. The term "non-linear" is understood within the usual analytical definition: [4] (1) f(a+b)=f(a)+f(b) and (2) cf(b)= f(cb) or present purposes, it is equation (1) that is of interest. In it lies a fundamental facet of human thinking. Simply put, equation (1) states that if a problem is divided into it parts and the parts are studied independently, then the parts can be reassembled and the response of the union can be predicted. This sometimes works. One name that characterizes this kind of behavior is the Principle of Superposition which is found in the analysis of electrical circuits. The nice thing about linearity is that the problems tend to have computable solutions. Another nice thing is that the systems being described can be easily categorized into discrete and unique parts and the mathematics is simpler and solutions exist. Non-linearity requires terms not included in equation (1) that suggest the existence of interactions between the components. The feedback between the components has a way of making the cause and effect presumption to become fuzzy. This is what characterizes a complex process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA469039
Entities
People
- Henry A. Catherino
Organizations
- United States Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center