UNIT-III: SIMULATION

1. Define simulation
Simulation is the imitation of the operation of a real world process or system
over time. It is a numerical technique for conducting experiments that involve certain
types of mathematical and system over extended period of time.

2. What are the areas of applications of simulation

1. Manufacturing systems 2. Public and transportation systems 3. Restaurant and
entertainment systems 4. Computer system performance.

3. Define a system and system environment in simulation

A system is defined as the collection of objects / ideas which permits identification as
a whole coherent logical functional unit. A system is often affected by changes
occurring outside the system. Such changes are said to occur in the system
environment.

4. .What are the components of a system?

The components of a system are (i) Entity (ii) Attribute (iii) Activity (iv) State
(v) Variables (vi) Event

5. Define the following

(i) Entity (ii) Attribute (iii) Activity (iv) State

6. Define (i) Event (ii) Variables: Variables are those that take different values
(i) Event: An event is defined as an instantaneous occurrence that may change the
state of the system.
(ii) Variables: variables are those that take different values at different times.

7. What are the types of simulation system?

System can be categorized as
(i) Discrete system
(ii) Continuous system.
 8. Give an example of a system and its components

System Entities Attributes Activities Events State

variables

Banking Customers Checking Making Arrival; Number of

account deposits busy tellers;
balance Departure Number of
customer
waiting.

8. When to use simulation

The reasons for selecting simulation other than the known mathematical technique
are:
(a) It is impossible to develop a mathematical solution
(b) Actual observation of a system may be too expensive
(c) Simulation may be the only method available because it is difficult to
observe the actual environment
(d) Actual operation and observation of a real system may be too disruptive.

9. Define discrete system and continuous system with examples

Discrete system is one in which the state variables change only as a discrete set
of points in time. Example: In a bank, the number of customers changes only when the
service is completed for a customer Continuous system is one in which the state
variables change continuously over time.

10. What are the types of simulation models?

The simulation models are classified into
(a) Based on the representation
(i) Physical model (ii) Schematic model (iii) Symbolic model
(b) Based on timing nature
(i) Static (ii) dynamic
Based on the input nature (i) Deterministic nature (ii) Stochastic nature

11.Define Static model and Dynamic model

A Static simulation model represents a system at a particular point in time. It

does not change with time.

A dynamic simulation model represents a system at a particular point in time.

It does change with time.
13 What is a deterministic and stochastic simulation model
These models have a known set of inputs which will result in a unique set of
outputs. This model has one or more random variables at inputs. Since the inputs are random,
the outputs lead to random outputs.

14. Explain Monte-Carlo simulation

This method is generally used to solve problems which cannot be adequately
represented by the mathematical models, or where the problems are too expensive for
experimental solutions. This model involves random sampling from a known probability
distribution and yields a solution which will be very close to the optimal.

15. Define random number.

Random number is a sequence of numbers whose probability of occurrence is the
same as that of any other number in the sequence. The sequence of numbers must have two
important statistical properties (i.e.) uniformity and independence.

16. Define pseudo random number.

Arithmetic operations are used to compute a sequence of random numbers from a
recursive equation. The random numbers generated from recursive algorithm is not a true
random number. These numbers are called a pseudo (false) random numbers and hence these
numbers should be tested for randomness and uniqueness.

17. What are the techniques used for generating random numbers?
(i) Mid square method (ii) Mid Product method (iii) constant multiple methods
(iv) Mixed congruent method (v) Additives congruent method

18. What are advantageous of simulation technique?

1. Simulation models are relatively free from complicated mathematics and thus
can be easily understand by even a non technical managers or semi-skilled
operating staff.
2. Simulation models are completely flexible and can be easily modified to
accommodate the changing environment of the real system. Computer simulation
involves large calculations in to a few minutes of computer running time and thus it
reduces the simulation time period.
19. What are the limitations of simulation technique?
1. Simulation results are not optimal. Simulation results are only reliable
approximations subject to statistical errors.
2. Since simulation involves repetition of the experiment, it is a time consuming
task when manually done.
3. Quantification of variables are not possible in the behavior of the system.

20. Define the model of a system.

A model is defined as the actual representation of a system for the purpose of
studying the system.