8/13/2019 6ah

1/6

GE1103 - Fall 2002

Abstraction and Modeling

Abstraction

The first step in abstraction is to break the problem into as manyfunctional parts, subproblems, or meaningful units as possible.

Next, one should try to classify these functional aspects of the

problems into more general categories in accordance with their

distinctive characteristics.

Generate as many different alternative designs as possible.

Example: Developing a transportation system

Objective - Design a method for transporting people from one location to

another Rather than attempt to generate some specific design for accomplishing this

Through abstraction, focus on several general methods of location change

8/13/2019 6ah

2/6

GE1103 - Fall 2002

Methods

Propel - fluid motion, catapult motion, engine trust

Carry - by water current (raft), air current (kites, gliders), motorizedvehicles, animals

Attract/repel - magnetism

Sink/drop - using weight or gravity

Lift - using the buoyancy of gases Slide - reducing friction

Pull - with ropes

Abstraction provides us with a perspective of the building blocksthan can be used to develop a set of design solutions

Through abstraction, we view the problem and its possible solution

paths from a higher level of conceptual understanding.

8/13/2019 6ah

3/6

GE1103 - Fall 2002

Models Modeling is part of abstraction process

Models allow us to organize data, structure our thoughts, describe

relationships, and analyze proposed designs.

A model is used to obtain greater insight and understanding about

that which is being represented.

Models can be abstract or concrete

Abstract models- mathematical/symbolic, graphical, and computer

based (e.g. simulation, finite element, CAD).

Concrete (physical) models- composed of clay, cardboard, rubber

bands, glue, and other materials that are easily available.

8/13/2019 6ah

4/6

8/13/2019 6ah

5/6

GE1103 - Fall 2002

Symbolic- Higher-level abstractions of reality - equations, physics laws (e,g.energy conservation, Newtons laws)

Example: The orbital behavior of planet and its moon, satellites Projectile motion of a cannon ball, rocket motion

8/13/2019 6ah

6/6