Why physical system modeling is important to industry: Bond graph models that could have prevented some costly mistakes

The modeling discussed in this paper is specifically directed to the concept development of mechatronic systems. These systems typically involve multiple energy domains where electro-mechanical, -pneumatic, and -hydraulic devices are involved. Since the device or system is not well defined at this stage, the modeling must be handled by the inventors using physical principles, and assembling the various pieces of the model into an overall dynamic model that can be simulated. Bond graphs are particularly well suited for concept development of multi-energy domain systems. This is demonstrated here using several examples where modeling at an early stage of development would have avoided some very costly mistakes.