ABSTRACT
This chapter concentrates on the integration (interconnection) of elements (components) of various physical domains to form analytical models. It discusses the analytical formulation of a general state-space model and some definitions and key properties of them. Determination of the time-domain response generally involves the solution of a set of differential equations. The development of a suitable analytical model for a large and complex system particularly requires a systematic approach. In the mechanical domain, the modeling approach is facilitated by the use of a structural diagram similar to the circuit diagram that is used in the electrical domain. The chapter outlines two key properties that are responsible for the analytical convenience of linear systems: principle of superposition, and interchangeability in series connection. It concludes by presenting the systematic development of linear lumped-parameter state-space models in the four physical domains: mechanical, electrical, fluid, and thermal, using illustrative examples.
