Systems Models for Transportation Problems : Volume 1. Introducing a Systems Science for Transportation Planning.

This introductory portion of a system science for tranportation planning, which is based on the statistical physics of ensembles, a foundations laid on how statistical mechanics, equilibrium thermodynamics, and near equilbrium thermodynamics can be used for systems other than the atom and molecules of its standard application. Its relevance to living systems is indicated. To provide some insight into its application, three example systems are briefly discussed - river, the vascular system in mammals, and the development of the nervous system. The study then considers social nets. The likely problems of the social net, particularly as they bear on transportation research and development are discussd.\n