CS 351
Overview
Spring 2012
Modeling and Simulation
Technologies
Dr. Jim Holten
Modeling and Simulation
• Why simulate?
• Simulator components
• Simulator technologies
CSE 351
Why Simulate?
• Predict behavior before building
• Predict for future expectations
• System characterization testing
• Pretend (virtual environments)
CSE 351
Before Building
• Prototypes are often cheaper than building
• Proof-of-concept
• Evaluate design trade-offs
• Sell concepts to others
CSE 351
Predicting the Future
• Weather forecasts, hurricane paths
• Stock market
• Satellite and asteroid orbits and changes
• Earthquakes
CSE 351
System Characterization
• Sensitivity analysis
• Accuracy determination
• Behavior familiarity
CSE 351
Virtual Environments
• Training tools
• Interactive controller
• Realism experience for system use
• Games
CSE 351
Simulation Components
• The model
• The environment – equipment, software
• Inputs – Initialization, updates
• Outputs – Numbers, plots, animations
CSE 351
Simulation Environment
• Computer hardware
• Operating system
• Programming language(s)
• Supporting tools
CSE 351
Simulation Model
• Environment states (variables)
• Internal states (variables)
• Time handling (scaled steps or events)
• State interpretations
CSE 351
Simulation Inputs
• Initial setup
– Environment variables
– Model variables, and
– Output specifications/selections
• During run (periodic and interactive)
CSE 351
Simulation Outputs
• All states (allows restarts)
• Snapshots of some states
• Statistics on model states and overall run
• Metadata – data about the data (units, etc)
CSE 351
Simulation Technologies
• Simulation environments
• Programming/modelling languages
• Model characteristics supported
CSE 351
Simulation Technologies
To be continued
CSE 351