Chapter 1: Introducing Simulation Models
A simulation model is a tool capable of processing information and data and predicting the responses of a real system to certain inputs, thus becoming an effective support for analysis, performance evaluation, and decision-making processes. The term simulation refers to reproducing the behavior of a system. In general, we speak of simulation both in the case in which a concrete model is used and in the case in which an abstract model is used that reproduces reality using a computer. An example of a concrete model is a scale model of an airplane that is then placed in a wind tunnel to carry out simulated tests to estimate suitable performance measures.
Although, over the years, physicists have developed theoretical laws that we can use to obtain information on the performance of dynamic systems, often, the application of these laws to a real case takes too long. In these cases, it is convenient to construct a numerical simulation model that allows us to simulate the behavior of the system under certain conditions. This elaborated model will allow us to test the functionality of the system in a simple and immediate way, saving considerable resources in terms of time and money.
In this chapter, we're going to cover the following main topics:
- Introducing simulation models
- Classifying simulation models
- Approaching a simulation-based problem
- Dynamical systems modeling
Important Note
In this chapter, an introduction to simulation techniques will be discussed. In order to deal with the topics at hand, it is necessary that you have a basic knowledge of algebra and mathematical modeling.
