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The concept of energy in the analysis of system dynamics models

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  • John Hayward
  • Paul A. Roach

Abstract

This paper applies for the first time the Newtonian concept of energy to stock–flow systems and employs it to relate system behaviour to model structure. Kinetic energy and work done are defined analytically using the concepts of loop impact and force from the Newtonian Interpretative Framework and are examined numerically within system dynamics simulations. The energy analogy is used to analyse models by understanding how loops of different orders and types act as energy sources, sinks and exchange, using the system dynamics equivalent of the work–energy theorem. It is shown that energy describes the cumulative effects of feedback on stock behaviour, in contrast to the instantaneous description given by existing methods of loop dominance. This approach gives additional insight over that of existing dominance methods, capturing the dynamical influence of loops even when not dominant. The analogy's explanatory power provides quantitative and informal analysis. © 2022 The Authors. System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:sysdyn:v:38:y:2022:i:1:p:5-40
    DOI: 10.1002/sdr.1700
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. 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.
    2. Rogelio Oliva, 2020. "On structural dominance analysis," System Dynamics Review, System Dynamics Society, vol. 36(1), pages 8-28, January.
    3. Hayward, John & Roach, Paul A., 2019. "The concept of force in population dynamics," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 531(C).
    4. 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.
    5. John Hayward & Graeme P. Boswell, 2014. "Model behaviour and the concept of loop impact: A practical method," System Dynamics Review, System Dynamics Society, vol. 30(1-2), pages 29-57, January.
    6. Erling Moxnes & Pål I. Davidsen, 2016. "Intuitive understanding of steady-state and transient behaviors," System Dynamics Review, System Dynamics Society, vol. 32(2), pages 128-153, April.
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