Chapter 1

What is Modeling and Simulation

Reference
Text
• Principles of Modelling and Simulation - John A. Sokolowski,
Catherine M. Banks.
• Simulation Modelling and Analysis – Averil M. Law, W. David Kelton.
Models are Approximation
of Real World Events.
M&S has 4 precepts
 Modeling
 Simulation
 Visualization
 Analysis
Modeling
• A way to understand the various modeling paradigms appropriate for
digital computer simulation.
i. Developing computer simulation or a design based on a model of
an actual or theoretical physical system.
ii. Executing the model on a digital computer.
iii. Analyzing the output.
Simulation
• A method for implementing a model over time.
• A technique for testing, analysis or training in which real world
systems are used, or where real world and conceptual systems are
reproduced by a model.
• An unobtrusive scientific method of inquiry involving experiments
with a model rather than the portion of reality that the model
represents.
• A methodology for extracting information from a model by observing
the behaviour of the model as it is executed.
When to use simulation?
When the real system can not be engaged, because:
• It may not be accessible.
• It may be dangerous to engage the system.
• The system might not simply exist.
• Destructive testing might not be feasible.

A computer will imitate operations of these various real world facilities or processes.
Modeling depends on computing science for the visualization and simulation of complex, large-scale phenomena.
Allows detailed examination of large chaotic systems.
Simulation is the technology which powers all VR technology.
System
A system is a construct or collection of different elements that produce
results not obtainable by the elements alone.
The elements can include:
• People
• Hardware
• Software
• Facilities
• Policies
• Documents
Ways to study a system
• The actual system versus a model of the system.
• A physical versus a mathematical system.
• Analytical Solution versus simulation.

Significant in research and development due to its inherent properties.

New tool of choice in the fields of health services, education, social
sciences, business and industry.
Types of System
• Discrete: The variables change instantaneously at separate points in
time.

• Continuous: The state variables change continuously with respect to

time.
Application Areas
• Medical Modeling
• Emergency Management
• Crowd Modeling
• Transportation
• Game-based Learning
• Engineering design
Scopes
• Analysis
• Experimentation
• Training

Analysis: Investigation of model’s behaviour.

We look at a system to figure out the parameters that matter.
Experimentation

Experimentation occurs when the behavior of the model changes under conditions that exceed
the design boundaries of the model.
e.g X15.

Training
The development of knowledge, skills and abilities obtained as one operates the system
represented by the model.

M&S can be used as a multi faceted tool which can be used in a number of different disciplines.
Uses of Simulation
Designing and analyzing manufacturing systems
Evaluating hardware and software requirements for a computer system
Evaluating a new military weapons system or tactic
Determining ordering policies for an inventory system
Designing communications systems and message protocols for them
Designing and operating transportation facilities such as freeways, airports,
subways, or ports
Evaluating designs for service organizations such as hospitals, post offices, or
fast -food restaurants
Analyzing financial or economic systems
Types of Modeling and Simulation
• Stand-alone simulation – learn by doing, train as you operate.

• Integrated simulation – Enrich and support real systems.

Stand-alone application criteria
• Training
• Decision Support
• Understanding
• Education and learning
• Entertainment
What is a zero sum simulation?
Transportation M&S
• Macroscopic
• Microscopic

Business M&S
• Manufacturing Enterprise Engineering
• Operations Research
• Service Enterprise Engineering
Medical M&S
• Improved Training of Medical Professional
• Improve Treatment
• Disease Modeling
• Hospital Management
Ways to study a system
Advantages
• Test every aspect and thus choose correctly by testing every aspect of
a proposed change without committing any additional resources.
• Compress and expand time to speed up and slow down time.
• Find root cause by reconstructing the scenario and examining the
scenario closely by controlling the system.
• Explore possibilities in the context of policies, operating procedures,
methods without disrupting the actual or the real system.
• Diagnose problems by understanding the interaction among variables
that make up complex systems.
Advantages
• Identifying constraints by reviewing delays on process, information,
materials to ascertain whether or not the constraint is the effect or the
cause.
• Develop understanding by observing how a system operates rather than
predictions about how it will operate.
• Visualize the plan with the use of animation to observe the system or
organization actually operating.
• Build consensus for an objective opinion because M&S can avoid inferences.
• Prepare for change by answering the what if in the design or modification of
the system.
Advantages
• Invest wisely because a simulated study costs much less than the cost
of changing or modifying a system.
• Better training can be done less expensivey and with less disruption
than on the job training.
• Specify requirements for a system design that can be modified to
reach the desired goal.
Review
• Models are approximation of events, both real events or contrived
events.
• We create models from data so our research of the event or details
that go into the use case are accurate.
• We observe the model through simulation.
• We conduct an analysis on the simulation to conclude the end results
of the project.