Modeling and Simulation

Simulation is the process of designing a model of a real system and conducting experiments with this model for the purpose either of understanding the behavior of the system or of evaluating various strategies (within the limits imposed by a criterion or set of criteria) for the operation of the system.

Modeling and Simulation (M&S) is an important facet of Systems Engineering because it enables engineers to predict and evaluate system behavior without conducting actual experiments on or with the system(s).

A Model is a simplified representation of a system at some particular point in time or space intended to promote understanding of the real system

Simulations use the Models to:

• Study and visualize system behavior and performance in the design stage, before systems are built
• Predict the performance and configurations of new systems under varying sets of circumstances
• Answer “What-If” questions about the real-world system under varying scenarios and conditions

Computer simulation modeling provides an important method of analysis to assist in the design, creation, and evaluation of complex systems. Simulation modeling provides clear insights into complex systems at lower cost and risk versus the time consuming, higher cost and risk associated with experimentation and testing with the real-world system.

Benefits of M&S include:

• Studying and predicting the behavior and performance of a system prior to design & build
• Analyzing system performance behavior by varying configurations and system loads
• Exploring & varying system states to identify problem areas, saturation points, or bottlenecks
• Evaluating the effect of systems or process changes such as demand, resources, supply, and constraints
• Identifying upstream or downstream actions needed relative to a given operation, organization, or activity to either improve or mitigate processes or events
• Compressing a time frame to quickly investigate the effects of a change in real-world situations that take place over several years
• Aiding engineering and product design to investigate the effect of changes without producing a physical prototype