Principles of Modeling and Simulation: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Explores wide-ranging applications of modeling and simulation techniques that allow readers to conduct research and ask "What if?"

Principles of Modeling and Simulation: A Multidisciplinary Approach is the first book to provide an introduction to modeling and simulation techniques across diverse areas of study. Numerous researchers from the fields of social science, engineering, computer science, and business have collaborated on this work to explore the multifaceted uses of computational modeling while illustrating their applications in common spreadsheets.

The book is organized into three succinct parts:

Principles of Modeling and Simulation provides a brief history of modeling and simulation, outlines its many functions, and explores the advantages and disadvantages of using models in problem solving. Two major reasons to employ modeling and simulation are illustrated through the study of a specific problem in conjunction with the use of related applications, thus gaining insight into complex concepts.

Theoretical Underpinnings examines various modeling techniques and introduces readers to two significant simulation concepts: discrete event simulation and simulation of continuous systems. This section details the two primary methods in which humans interface with simulations, and it also distinguishes the meaning, importance, and significance of verification and validation.

Practical Domains delves into specific topics related to transportation, business, medicine, social science, and enterprise decision support. The challenges of modeling and simulation are discussed, along with advanced applied principles of modeling and simulation such as representation techniques, integration into the application infrastructure, and emerging technologies.

With its accessible style and wealth of real-world examples, Principles of Modeling and Simulation: A Multidisciplinary Approach is a valuable book for modeling and simulation courses at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels. It is also an indispensable reference for researchers and practitioners working in statistics, mathematics, engineering, computer science, economics, and the social sciences who would like to further develop their understanding and knowledge of the field.

Preface xi

Contributors xiii

Part One Principles of Modeling and Simulation: A Multidisciplinary Approach

1. What Is Modeling and Simulation? 3
Catherine M. Banks

Introduction 3

Models: Approximations of Real-World Events 5

A Brief History of Modeling and Simulation 7

Application Areas 15

Using Modeling and Simulation: Advantages and Disadvantages 21

Conclusion 22

Key Terms 23

Further Reading 23

References 23

2. The Role of Modeling and Simulation 25
Paul F. Reynolds, Jr.

Introduction 25

Using Simulations to Solve Problems 26

Uncertainty and Its Effects 34

Gaining Insight 37

A Simulation’s Lifetime 40

Conclusion 42

Key Terms 42

Further Reading 42

Part Two Theoretical Underpinnings

3. Simulation: Models That Vary over Time 47
John A. Sokolowski

Introduction 47

Discrete Event Simulation 48

Continuous Simulation 58

Conclusion 69

Key Terms 69

Reference 69

4. Queue Modeling and Simulation 71
Paul A. Fishwick and Hyungwook Park

Introduction 71

Analytical Solution 72

Queuing Models 74

Sequential Simulation 79

SimPack Queuing Implementation 81

Parallel Simulation 87

Conclusion 88

Key Terms 89

Further Reading 89

References 89

5. Human Interaction with Simulations 91
Michael P. Bailey and Ahmed K. Noor

Introduction 91

Simulation and Data Dependency 91

Visual Representation 103

Conclusion 116

Key Terms 117

References 117

6. Verification and Validation 121
Mikel D. Petty

Introduction 121

Performing Verification and Validation 128

Verification and Validation Examples 141

Conclusion 147

Key Terms 147

References 147

Part Three Practical Domains

7. Uses of Simulation 153
Tuncer I. Ören

Introduction 153

The Many Facets of Simulation 154

Experimentation Aspect of Simulation 156

Experience Aspect of Simulation 159

Examples of Uses of Simulation 160

Ethics in the Use of Simulation 170

Some Excuses to Avoid Using Simulation 170

Conclusion 171

Key Terms 171

Further Exploration 171

Appendix A Simulation Associations/Groups/Research Centers 172

References 178

8. Modeling and Simulation: Real-World Examples 181
Michael D. Fontaine, David P. Cook, C. Donald Combs, John A. Sokolowski, and Catherine M. Banks

Introduction 181

Transportation Modeling and Simulation 181

Business Modeling and Simulation 198

Medical Modeling and Simulation 209

Social Science Modeling and Simulation 230

Conclusion 241

Key Terms 242

Further Reading 242

References 242

9. The Future of Simulation 247
R. Bowen Loftin

Introduction 247

A Brief and Selective History of Simulation 248

Convergent Simulations 249

Serious Games 249

Human-Simulator Interfaces 250

Computing Technology 253

The Role of Education in Simulation 253

The Future of Simulation 254

Key Terms 255

Index 257

Catherine M. Banks, PhD, is Research Assistant Professor at the Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center (VMASC) at Old Dominion University. The author of many published articles on modeling and simulation, Dr. Banks currently focuses her research on modeling states and their varied histories of revolution and insurgency, political economy and state volatility, and global warming and population dynamics.