A century-old pencil-and-paper equation can overturn an elaborate computer model
Evidence
It was a simple mathematical formula, devised by a nineteenth-century Frenchman, to compute the flow of water through porous media. The law stated that the quantity of water (Q) flowing through a given area is equal to the hydraulic conductivity (K) of the material through which it flows, multiplied by the size of the opening (A), multiplied again by the gradient, or angle of incline (I). Thus: Q = K × A × I. Once one knew what values to put into the formula, it was quite easy to work out. Unlike Guswa’s splendid three-dimensional computer model, it required only a pencil and paper. — , Harr Jonathan - A Civil Action, 2174
Categorization
- DEFINE: Darcy’s Law stated explicitly: Q = K × A × I, the hydraulic conductivity times area times gradient.
- SHARE: The exact equation and its components is a nice nerdy detail for a hydrology or engineering-minded friend.
- XREF: connects to: Computer simulation dramatically expanded modeling’s power over physical models — Ville Pulkki, Matti Karjalainen, Communication Acoustics- An…, 102; The Black-Scholes model reduces to a known physics equation solvable by hand — Donald MacKenzie, An Engine, Not a Camera: How Financial…, 41; Mathematical proofs gain beauty through economy and lack of variation — G. H. Hardy, A Mathematician’s Apology, 237 (+2 more)
Broader Connections
- The Black-Scholes model reduces to a known physics equation solvable by hand
#corroborates(1.00) — Donald MacKenzie, An Engine, Not a Camera, 41 - The Black-Scholes model entered trading floors via paper sheets, not computers
#corroborates(0.95) — Donald MacKenzie, An Engine, Not a Camera, 716 - Mathematical proofs gain beauty through economy and lack of variation
#corroborates(0.90) — G. H. Hardy, A Mathematician’s Apology, 237 - Computer simulation dramatically expanded modeling’s power over physical models
#complicates(0.85) — Ville Pulkki, Matti Karjalainen, Communication Acoustics- An…, 102 - The brain contradicts the machine metaphor through entangled plastic processes
#complicates(0.80) — Catherine Malabou, What Should We Do with Our Brain?, 98