Experimental Observation and Mathematical Modelling

Abstract

Constitutive equations are mathematical models intended to reflect the principal features of real material behaviour in an idealised form. The basic question that immediately springs to mind is which aspects of a material body’s behaviour can be regarded as essential. Depending on the individual case, the answer to this is bound to be influenced by subjective evaluations as well and is consequently not devoid of a certain arbitrariness. One operation that is subject to a high level of intent is the process of idealisation, which filters out those aspects of reality that are to be disregarded. After all, the mathematical model is intended to simplify the exeedingly complicated reality and produce a conclusive theory to render the behaviour of material bodies and systems predictable.