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Newton's laws as an interpretive framework in system dynamics

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  • John Hayward
  • Paul A. Roach

Abstract

This paper proposes an interpretative framework for system dynamics models using concepts from Newtonian mechanics. By considering the second derivative form of a model, it is shown that Newton's three laws of motion have their equivalent in system dynamics, with forces between stocks being determined using the loop impact method. The concepts of mass, inertia, momentum and friction are explored as to their usefulness in understanding model behaviour. The Newtonian framework is applied to two standard system dynamics models—inventory–workforce and economic long‐wave—where their behaviour is analyzed using force dominance on the stocks. Results show improved intuitive understanding of system behaviour compared with existing dominance methods, particularly for models with exogenous effects, oscillations and many loops. The framework is commended for further exploration. Copyright © 2018 System Dynamics Society

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  • John Hayward & Paul A. Roach, 2017. "Newton's laws as an interpretive framework in system dynamics," System Dynamics Review, System Dynamics Society, vol. 33(3-4), pages 183-218, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:sysdyn:v:33:y:2017:i:3-4:p:183-218
    DOI: 10.1002/sdr.1586
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    Cited by:

    1. William Schoenberg & John Hayward & Robert Eberlein, 2023. "Improving Loops that Matter," System Dynamics Review, System Dynamics Society, vol. 39(2), pages 140-151, April.
    2. Steven E. Wallis, 2021. "Understanding and improving the usefulness of conceptual systems: An Integrative Propositional Analysis‐based perspective on levels of structure and emergence," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(4), pages 426-447, August.
    3. William Schoenberg & Pål Davidsen & Robert Eberlein, 2020. "Understanding model behavior using the Loops that Matter method," System Dynamics Review, System Dynamics Society, vol. 36(2), pages 158-190, April.
    4. John Hayward & Paul A. Roach, 2022. "The concept of energy in the analysis of system dynamics models," System Dynamics Review, System Dynamics Society, vol. 38(1), pages 5-40, January.

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