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Model validation: Difference between revisions
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== Hidden assumptions == | == Hidden assumptions == | ||
The equations describing the behaviour of plasmas are mostly known (Maxwell's equations, etc.) but are untractable due to the large number | The equations describing the behaviour of plasmas are mostly known (Maxwell's equations, etc.) but are untractable due to the large number of particles involved. | ||
Hence, simplifying assumptions are always made, usually of the type 'assume ''X >> Y'' '. It is quite common that these assumptions are not made fully explicit, which entrains the risk that the assumptions are violated in some specific case without this circumstance being detected. Therefore, it is important to clarify as precisely as possible under what conditions the model is valid, and check that these conditions are met for all relevant applications of the model. | Hence, simplifying assumptions are always made, usually of the type 'assume ''X >> Y'' '. It is quite common that these assumptions are not made fully explicit, which entrains the risk that the assumptions are violated in some specific case without this circumstance being detected. Therefore, it is important to clarify as precisely as possible under what conditions the model is valid, and check that these conditions are met for all relevant applications of the model. | ||