Fischbensdiagram

A Fischbensdiagram, often referred to as a Sankey diagram, is a type of flow diagram where the width of the arrows is proportional to the flow rate. This visualization is particularly useful for illustrating energy, material, or cost transfers between different systems or entities. The key characteristic of a Fischbensdiagram is that the flow is conserved, meaning the total flow entering a node must equal the total flow leaving it.

The origin of the term "Fischbensdiagram" is not widely documented in standard English technical literature, suggesting it might be a less common or perhaps a localized nomenclature. The more internationally recognized term is Sankey diagram, named after Captain Matthew Sankey. These diagrams excel at showing how quantities are distributed or transferred, making them valuable for analysis in fields such as engineering, economics, and environmental science. For example, in energy systems, a Fischbensdiagram can depict the flow of energy from primary sources through various conversion processes to final end-uses, highlighting energy losses at each stage. In economics, it can illustrate the flow of money within an economy. The visual representation allows for a quick understanding of major flows and potential areas for optimization or improvement.