Generic properties of continuous piecewise-linear vector fields in R2

To model a nonlinear vector field by the use of a computer introduces a number of errors intrinsic to computer modeling. The authors consider one such source of computer generated error and its interpretation from the viewpoint of the user who wishes to understand the original vector field. The predominant types of vector fields studied are continuous piecewise-linear vector fields satisfying certain permutation properties. The approach taken to investigate the pragmatic results of the computer modeling in consideration of the properties of the underlying nonlinear vector field is essentially topological. Generic properties, as well as properties of denseness and openness, are interpreted from their effects on computer modeling. As a byproduct the class of continuous piecewise-linear vector fields is shown to be very amenable to theoretical analysis