In a multiple-device flow system, I want to determine a state property. Where should I look for information, upstream or downstream?
I would look at the output.
In a multiple-device flow system, whether you should look for information upstream or downstream to determine a state property depends on the specific context and the nature of the state property you are interested in. Let's break it down:
1. Upstream: Upstream refers to the direction of flow towards the source or input side of the system. If the state property you are interested in is influenced by the devices or components earlier in the flow, you may need to look upstream for information.
To determine the state property upstream, follow these steps:
- Identify the purpose or behavior of each device/component in the flow system.
- Understand how the state property is affected by the input or operations of those devices/components.
- Analyze the data or information related to the input devices/components and their impact on the state property.
2. Downstream: Downstream refers to the direction of flow towards the output side or destination of the system. If the state property you are interested in is influenced by the devices/components later in the flow, you may need to look downstream for information.
To determine the state property downstream, follow these steps:
- Identify the devices/components that have an effect on the state property at the output side.
- Analyze the data or information related to those devices/components and their impact on the state property.
- Consider any transformations or changes that occur to the state property as it passes through the downstream devices/components.
Ultimately, the choice of looking upstream or downstream will depend on understanding the flow system, the specific state property in question, and how different devices/components contribute to it. It may be necessary to gather information from both upstream and downstream sources to get a complete picture of the state property and its behavior in the flow system.