Conceptual models and computer models

Abstract

Upon recording processes of nature quantitatively, the term model is closely related to the term system. A system is a segment derived from nature with either real or, at least, imagined boundaries. Within these boundaries, there are processes which are to be analyzed. Outside, there is the environment exerting an influence on the course of the procedural events which are internal to the system by means of the boundary conditions. A conceptual model contains principle statements, mostly translatable quantitatively, with regard to the processes in a system and the influence of prevalent boundary conditions. If the systems to be reproduced are especially complex, any significant realization of the conceptual model is often only possible by applying computer models.