Chapter 1

Introduction to
Simulation Modeling
T. Altiok and B. Melamed

Simulation Modeling

Paradigm that creates simplified

representations of complex systems
Generates system histories and observes
system behavior and statistics over time

Goals are understanding system performance

and improving system design

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System vs. Its Model

Simplification
Real System

Abstraction
Assumptions

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Model

Model Classification

Physical
(prototypes)

Analytical
(mathematical)
Computer
(Monte Carlo
Simulation)

Descriptive
(performance
analysis)
Prescriptive
(optimization)

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Physical
(Prototypes)

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Analytical
(Mathematical)

Single Stage Queuing Model

n P( N n)
1

1
W

Wq W

L W

2
Lq Wq

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Computer

(Monte Carlo Simulation)

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Descriptive
(Performance analysis)

Simulation
vs.
Real World

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Prescriptive
(Optimization)

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Typical Uses of Simulation

Estimating a set of productivity measures in production

systems, inventory systems, manufacturing processes,
materials handling and logistics operations.
Designing and planning the capacity of computer systems and
communication networks so as to minimize response times.

Conducting war games to train military personnel or to

evaluate the efficacy of proposed military operations
Evaluating and improving maritime port operations, such as
container ports or bulk-material marine terminals (coal, oil or
minerals), so as to find ways of reducing vessel port times.
Improving health care operations, financial and banking
operations, transportation systems and airports, among many
others.

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