Compartmental Models
Compartmental models are mathematical frameworks used to describe the dynamics of complex systems by dividing them into distinct sections, or compartments. Each compartment represents a specific state or category, such as susceptible, infected, or recovered in the context of disease spread. These models help researchers understand how different factors influence the flow of individuals between compartments over time.
These models are widely used in fields like epidemiology, ecology, and pharmacokinetics. For example, the SIR model is a popular compartmental model in epidemiology that tracks the spread of infectious diseases. By analyzing the transitions between compartments, scientists can predict outcomes and evaluate intervention strategies.