UNDERSTANDING MODELING & SIMULATION
LECTURE 02
UNDERSTANDING MODELING & SIMULATION
Modeling involves creating simplified representations of real-world systems to gain insights into their behavior,
analyze their performance, or predict their future outcomes.
Simulation, on the other hand, is the process of imitating the operation of a real-world system over time.
Together, modeling and simulation provide a powerful framework for understanding complex systems and making
informed decisions.
TYPES OF MODELS
Physical Models
Mathematical Models
Conceptual Models
Simulation Models
PHYSICAL MODELS
These are tangible representations of real objects or
systems, such as scale models of buildings or
prototypes of machinery.
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
Mathematical equations or algorithms that describe
the behavior of a system using symbols and variables.
They can be further categorized into:Mathematical
equations or algorithms that describe the behavior of
a system using symbols and variables. They can be
further categorized into: Deterministic Models &
Stochastic Models
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
DETERMINISTIC MODELS STOCHASTIC MODEL
These models produce the same output for a given These models incorporate randomness or
set of inputs, making them predictable. uncertainty, yielding different outcomes each time
they are run.
CONCEPTUAL MODELS
These models use conceptual frameworks, diagrams,
or flowcharts to represent the structure or function
of a system without detailed mathematical
formulations
SIMULATION MODELS
These are computer-based models that replicate the
behavior of real-world systems by simulating their
processes and interactions over time.
ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS OF SIMULATION
ADVANTAGES
Cost-Effective: It allows experimentation and testing without the need for physical prototypes, saving time and
resources.
Risk-Free Exploration: Simulation enables the exploration of scenarios that may be too risky or costly to
replicate in the real world.
Complexity Handling: It can handle complex systems with numerous variables and interactions, providing
insights that may not be achievable through analytical methods alone.
LIMITATIONS
Assumptions: Models rely on simplifying assumptions, and their accuracy depends on the validity of these
assumptions.
Validation Challenges: Ensuring that a simulation model accurately represents the real system can be
challenging and may require extensive validation and verification processes.
Computational Resources: Simulation models can be computationally intensive, requiring significant
computing power and time, especially for large-scale systems.
CONCLUSION
In this lecture, we’ve introduced the fundamental concepts of modeling and simulation, explored different types of
models, and discussed the advantages and limitations of simulation.
Throughout this course, we’ll delve deeper into these topics and explore how modeling and simulation can be
applied to solve real-world problems across various domains.