Tutorial describes some approaches to mathematical modelling of physical problems. Applications will be illustarted on examples from the areas of antenna theory, grounding systems analysis, modelling of discharge currents and actuarial mathematics.
We start with problems related to numerical analysis of sources in presence of a lossy medium. A well-known problem of dealing with so-called Sommerfeld type integrals occurs in these analysis. Their approximate evaluation has been of great interest for researchers in the areas of antenna theory and grounding systems analysis. These integrals arise in the expressions describing the electromagnetic field in the surroundings of such structures when they are located above/inside a semi-conducting media. The fact that these integrals don’t have a closed form solution, enticed researchers to approximately evaluate them either by employing a numerical integration technique, or using some kind of procedure that will approximate them and allow their analytical evaluation.
Second part of the tutorial deals with modelling of lightning and electrostatic discharge currents. A general function that would be able to reproduce desired waveshapes of theses currents is needed, such that analytical solutions for their derivatives, integrals, and integral transformations, exist. We present a review of existing models, their advatages and disadvartages and possible extensions.
Finally, we discuss modelling of mortality rates of living organisms or equipment. Variation of mortality over a life span has different characteristics that put constraints and requirements on a model developed to represent it. A well-know problem that complicates modelling of human mortality rates is the "accident hump" occurring in early adulthood. We review existing models and discuss their properties and application to mortality forcasting and pricing life insurances.