Categorical approach to modelling and to coupling of models

Solution of any engineering problem starts with a modelling process, which typically involves a choice among different kinds of models. To create a realistic model, one has to think carefully about the modelling process. Particularly in the case of coupled problems when several models are coupled together to represent a given physical phenomenon. This paper presents an approach based on the category theory that allows to describe this modelling process on a more level. Using the advantages of level, one can describe the coupling process in a concise way and introduce certain criteria to check consistency of a coupled model. The main idea of the proposed approach is to introduce a structure in the modelling process, which allows to see how different models interact without a precise look into them. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.