MATHEMATICAL MODEL OR “CURVE FIT” - TELL IT LIKE IT IS1

A very fashionable term in present day engineering is mathematical model. A term which has grown into somewhat ill-repute is “curve fit.” The basic purpose of this paper is to discuss the difference between a mathematical model and a “curve fit.” In addition, a discussion of proof testing of both “curve fits” and mathematical models will be presented, followed by a brief discussion of the form and of the uses of “curve fits” and mathematical models.