Model reduction in the physical domain

Abstract

This paper is concerned with obtaining physical-based low-order approximations of linear physical systems. Low-order models possess some advantages, including the reduction of computational difficulty and understanding of the physics of the original system in a simpler manner. Previously, a number of methods have been suggested to develop suitable low-order approximations. However, most of these approaches do not reflect the relation between the mathematical model and the physical subsystems. Specifically, these techniques do not indicate which of the physical subsystems should be retained or eliminated in the reduced-order model. The proposed model reduction method is based on identifying subsystem types of a physical system using the bond graph method. These subsystems are then removed or retained based on the information from the physical system decomposition procedures and partial fraction expansion residues to obtain a reduced-order model. The physical model reduction procedure is verified on physical linear systems.