Emerging Tools in Engineering: Fractional Order Ladder Impedance Models for Respiratory and Neural Systems

This paper introduces the emerging tool from mathematics in engineering: fractional calculus. Consequently, it enables a novel concept of modelling biological systems by means of preserving the natural rules governing the system´s dynamics, i.e., their intrinsic fractal (recurrent) structure. A generally valid ladder network model allows to preserve the anatomy of the system, thereby merging between engineering and medicine. By aid of two original illustrative examples, the advantage and use of these models is explained. Current insight and prospective use for clinical analysis are discussed.