INTRODUCTION TO

COMPUTER SIMULATION
Presented by:
Villafranca, Mark John Paul
Contents
• Simulation Defined
– Computer Simulation’s Basic Nature
– Computer Simulation Uses
– General Benefits of Computer Simulation

• Different Types of Simulation

– Continuous Simulation
– Monte Carlo Simulation
– Discrete Event Computer Simulation
– Agent-Based Modeling

• Brief History of Simulation

SIMULATION
DEFINED
Simulation uses a model to develop
conclusions providing insight on the
behavior of the real-world elements
being studied. Computer Simulation
uses the same concept but requires
the model created through computer
programming.
 COMPUTER SIMULATION USES
Certain circumstances warrant the use of computer simulation, such as:
General Situation Examples
Real system does not yet exist and building Aircraft, Production System, Nuclear Reactor
a prototype is cost prohibitive, time-
consuming or hazardous.

System is impossible to build. National Economy, Biological System

Real system exists but experimentation is Proposed Changes to a Materials Handling
too expensive, hazardous or disruptive to System, Military Unit, Transportation System,
conduct. Airport Baggage Handling System

Forecasting is required to analyze long time Population Growth, Forest Fire Spread,
periods in a compressed format. Urbanization Studies, Pandemic Flu Spread

Mathematical Modeling has no practical, Stochastic Problems, Nonlinear Differential

analytical, or numeric solution. Equations

Table 1.1
Situations Warranting Computer Simulations
 GENERAL BENEFITS OF
COMPUTER SIMULATION
- Allow Experimentation without Disruptions to
Existing Systems
- Concept can be Tested Prior to Installation
- Detection of Unforeseen Problem or Bugs
- Gain in Knowledge on Systems
- Speed in Analysis
- Forces System Definition
- Enhances Creativity
 GENERAL LIMITATIONS OF
COMPUTER SIMULATION
Limitations Description
Expensive The creation of a computer model often can
be an expensive method of analysis
Time Consuming In most cases, data collection, model
development, analysis, and report generation
will require considerable amounts of time.
Yields only Approximate Discrete event simulation relies on the use of
Answers random number generators to provide model
input.
Difficult to Validate The human element in computer simulation
can be difficult to accurately capture and
model.
Accepted as Gospel Simulation is a tool used by humans and is
subject to any error that a person can make,
the problem comes when users accept the
output as a gospel.
 DIFFERENT
TYPES OF
SIMULATION
Computer simulations have been used
successfully in many fields including
engineering, production, management
business, and others. Several types of
computer simulation are commonly
studied for use in engineering and
business environments such as
Continuous, Monte Carlo, Discrete
Event, and Agent-Based Modeling.
CONTINUOUS SIMULATION
Continuous simulation is concerned with
modeling a set of equations, representing a
system, over time. Predator-Prey Models are one
of an example of Continuous Simulation.
 MONTE CARLO SIMULATION

Monte Carlo Simulation is a scheme employing random numbers, which is

used for solving certain stochastic or deterministic problems where the
passage of time plays no role (Law and Kelton, 2000). Monte Carlo
Simulation generally removes time from the model.
 DISCRETE EVENT
COMPUTER SIMULATION
Discrete Event Simulation is characterized by
the passage of blocks of time which nothing
happens, punctuated by events which change the
state of the system. An example to illustrate this
is bank customers arriving at an automatic teller
machine.
 DISCRETE EVENT
COMPUTER SIMULATION
Agent-Based Modeling addresses the simultaneous
interactions of multiple agents to simulate, recreate,
study, and predict complex phenomenon. Most of this
models have the following elements:
- Granularity
- Decision-making heuristics and rules
- Adaptive behaviors or learning
- Interaction rules or topology
- Environment for interaction often consisting
constrained resources.
 BRIEF
HISTORY OF
SIMULATION
The origins of computer simulation may
be traced back to World War II, when two
mathematicians, Jon Von Neumann and
Stanislaw Ulam, were confronted with
the perplexing problem of neutron
behavior. The expense of hit and try
experimentation was too high, and the
problem was too complex to analyze.
Hence, the Roulette wheel approach was
devised by the mathematicians. The
fundamental facts on the occurrence of
numerous events were known, into which the
probabilities of single occurrences were
integrated in a step by step analysis to forecast
the result of the full chain of events. With the
extraordinary success of the neutron problem
approaches, it quickly became popular and
found various applications in business and
industry.
 EIGHT MAJOR CATEGORIES
OF SIMULATION SOFTWARE
CATEGORY DESCRIPTION SAMPLE PRODUCTS
General Purpose used to write simulation GPSS/H, GPSS/PC,
Software models. SIMAN, Simula, SLAM,
SLX
Manufacturing for use in the analysis of ProModel, AutoMod,
Oriented Software manufacturing and WITNESS, ShowFlow
production. 2.5
Planning & Often used for planning and Simul8 Planner,
Scheduling Software scheduling but separate AutoSched
software products
supporting has emerged

Special Purpose Concentrate on areas of MedModel,

Modeling Software / communication, healthcare, ServiceModel, ns-3
Simulators manufacturing, service
industries, education, and so
forth.
 CATEGORY DESCRIPTION SAMPLE PRODUCTS

Simulation Contain utilities to conduct a Arena, GPSS/World

Environments simulation study to input
data analysis, model entry
support, scenario
management, animation,
and output data analysis.
Animators Allows the simulation to Wolverine Software,
dynamically displayed on Corporation’s PROOF
the screen of a computer
using a graphic format.
Rapid Modeling Tools Used to develop quick Spreadsheet software,
models or perform feasibility Manuplan and Simstarter
studies prior to embarking
on a full blown modeling
effort.

Simulation Support Used for data analysis, ExpertFit, SIMSTATE 2.0

Software distribution determination,
and reporting.
 SUMMARY OF LEARNINGS
In this chapter, I learned that Computer simulations are
used to investigate the dynamic behavior of objects or
systems in response to conditions that are difficult or
dangerous to apply in real life. It emerged back from
World War II when two Mathematician developed a
simulation technique to aid in their understanding and
development of the atomic bomb. The types of
simulations used for studying engineering and modeling
include Continuous, Monte Carlo, Discrete, and Agent-
Based. Computer Simulation is deemed important
because these will understand and evaluate “what if”
case scenarios.
THANK YOU!

Presented by:
Villafranca, Mark John Paul