Using Mathematical and Scientific Markup as an Approach to Model Specification

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA638194 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Complex systems need to be modeled in a way that supports validation, flexible composition of component models and component model re-use. A methodology that supports these requirements must support conceptual modeling, i.e., mathematical description, and document the semantics embodied in a model. The expression of mathematical semantics alone will not suffice. For physics-based models, the semantics must also identify those physical laws that were applied by the modeler. Only in this way can one adequately document the particular modeling decisions made in the models construction. The development of Markup Languages has enabled the Semantic Web, with the universal document type being expressed in the Extensible Markup Language XML. Higher level semantic layers may be defined in XML applications such as is done with the Mathematical Markup Language MathML. The mathematical semantics embodied within Content MathML are currently being expanded beyond the expression of grade school mathematics to enable the expression of higher level mathematics by the use of content dictionaries. These mathematical content dictionaries contain the definitions of semantic XML tags so that the use of well-defined mathematical concepts in a document may be unambiguously expressed by application of these tags. Building on top of this base, scientific markup languages are beginning to be developed. In particular, we have identified several requirements and some solutions towards the development of a physics markup language. For example, it must be embedded within a documentation standard that supports an accompanying natural language description. The physics markup language itself must have the ability to support the expression of physical models. This includes the concepts of physical objects, or physical bodies, which have physical observables as properties and physical laws, which when applied to physical objects results in model equations, or other relations.

Author(s):
Collins, Joseph B.
Author Organization(s):
NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC
Descriptive Note:
Conference paper
Supplementary Note:
Presented at the Society for Modeling & Simulation International [SCS]: Grand Challenges in Modeling & Simulation (GCMS08), Edinburgh, Scotland on 16-19 June 2008 and published in proceedings of the same, p220-226, 2012. ISBN: 978-1-62276-360-3.
Pagination:
0009

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Monitor Series:
NRL
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_1.2.6_Concepts; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.2.2_Develop Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_8_Building Partnerships
Modernization Areas:
Fully Networked C3
Communities of Interest:
No COI(s) Identified
Descriptor(s):
*MATHEMATICAL MODELS, *PHYSICS, *SPECIFICATIONS, MARKUP LANGUAGES, STANDARDS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Operations Research, Computer Programming and Software, Computer Systems Management and Standards, Physics
Keyword(s):
PHYSICS BASED MODELS, CONTENT DICTIONARIES, SCIENTIFIC MARKUP LANGUAGES
Report Date:
2008 Jun 01
Creation Date:
2016 Oct 05