Date of Award

7-28-1978

Degree Type

Master's Essay - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

Any legitimate attempt to describe physical phenomena in terms of abstract symbols and mathematical equations requires a basis for its formulation. This is true whether the phenomenon under study be as simple as a spherical mass falling in free space or as complex as the gyroscopic motions of a spinning top. This foundation, so to speak, upon which all theoretical developments are built, is commonly referred to as a model of the system. The more elaborate the model one chooses, the more complex becomes the theory required to develop it. Although a complex theoretical analysis is avoided whenever possible, it does, in general, have the advantage of achieving results to a higher degree of accuracy than less simple analyses. The importance of selecting an appropriate model, whether simple or complex, cannot be overemphasized for the success of any theory.

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