According to the Gadomski 's observation (in the TOGA meta-theory) the term function in engineering and various systemic contexts is usualy used for the denomination of a goal-oriented necessary property of a system or a process. In this sens, without a goal , functions do not exist, therefore in physics the term function is used only in its mathematical sense. On the other hand, the same process can be the carrier of different functions, according to their aplications, as well, the same function can be realized by different processes/systems (see the SPG paradigm in TOGA).
References
- SPG - universal pradigm ( http://erg4146.casaccia.enea.it/wwwerg26701/gad-diag0.htm )