CS 351

Overview
Spring 2012

Modeling and Simulation

Technologies

Dr. Jim Holten

 Modeling and Simulation
• Why simulate?

• Simulator components

• Simulator technologies

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 Why Simulate?
• Predict behavior before building

• Predict for future expectations

• System characterization testing

• Pretend (virtual environments)

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 Before Building
• Prototypes are often cheaper than building

• Proof-of-concept

• Evaluate design trade-offs

• Sell concepts to others

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 Predicting the Future
• Weather forecasts, hurricane paths

• Stock market

• Satellite and asteroid orbits and changes

• Earthquakes

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 System Characterization
• Sensitivity analysis

• Accuracy determination

• Behavior familiarity

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 Virtual Environments
• Training tools

• Interactive controller

• Realism experience for system use

• Games

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 Simulation Components
• The model

• The environment – equipment, software

• Inputs – Initialization, updates

• Outputs – Numbers, plots, animations

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 Simulation Environment
• Computer hardware

• Operating system

• Programming language(s)

• Supporting tools

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 Simulation Model
• Environment states (variables)

• Internal states (variables)

• Time handling (scaled steps or events)

• State interpretations

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 Simulation Inputs
• Initial setup

– Environment variables

– Model variables, and

– Output specifications/selections

• During run (periodic and interactive)

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 Simulation Outputs
• All states (allows restarts)

• Snapshots of some states

• Statistics on model states and overall run

• Metadata – data about the data (units, etc)

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 Simulation Technologies
• Simulation environments

• Programming/modelling languages

• Model characteristics supported

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Simulation Technologies

To be continued

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