Computer Simulations

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Computer Simulations
Important concepts What is a computer
simulation? What is involved in the process of
creating a simulation? Example simulations
A portion of these notes were based on the book
"Computer Simulation" by Watson and Blackstone
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What Is Simulation?

• Recreating behaviour by an analogous model or
  situation to gain information more conveniently
  or to train personnel.

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What Is A Computer Simulation?

• A computer model of the real world
• Consists of three steps
• Design
• Execution
• Analysis

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Types Of Simulation Models
All models
Symbolic
Physical
Mathematical
Iconic
Verbal
Analog
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Why Simulate?

• Complex systems
• Dangerous experiments
• Controlled conditions
• Cost savings

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Example Simulations

• Air Canada Treasury
• NASA Simulations
• Simulations on the web

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Air Canada Treasury
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NASA Simulations Design
Photo from http//encounter.arc.nasa.gov
Photo from http//ncam.msfc.nasa.gov
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NASA Simulations Training on VMS
Images from http//www.simlabs.arc.nasa.gov/vs.
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NASA Simulations Space Missions
Photos from http//www.nasaexplores.com
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A Simulation On The Web Near-Beer
http//broadcast.forio.com/sims/nearbeer/
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A Simulation On The Web Astronomy
http//instruct1.cit.cornell.edu/courses/astro101/
java/simulations.htm
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Summary

• What is required to create a computer simulation?
• Design, Execution, Analysis
• Type of simulations
• Physical iconic or analog
• Symbolic verbal or mathematical
• Why create simulations?
• Complexity, danger, control, cost savings