CS 351 Overview Spring 2012 Modeling and Simulation Technologies Dr. Jim Holten
CSE 351 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