Simulation modeling is the process of creating and analyzing a
digital prototype of a physical model to predict its performance in the real world.
Simulation
A simulation is an imitative representation of a process or system that could exist in the real world. In this broad sense, simulation can often be used interchangeably with model. Sometimes a clear distinction between the two terms is made, in ...
modeling is used to help designers and engineers understand whether, under what conditions, and in which ways a part could fail and what loads it can withstand. Simulation modeling can also help to predict fluid flow and heat transfer patterns.
It analyses the approximate working conditions by applying the simulation software.
Uses of simulation modeling
Simulation modeling allows designers and engineers to avoid the repeated building of multiple physical prototypes to analyze designs for new or existing parts. Before creating the physical prototype, users can investigate many digital prototypes. Using the technique, they can:
* Optimize geometry for weight and strength
* Select materials that meet weight, strength, and budget requirements
* Simulate part failure and identify the loading conditions that cause them
* Assess extreme environmental conditions or loads not easily tested on physical prototypes, such as earthquake shock load
* Verify hand calculations
* Validate the likely safety and survival of a physical prototype before
Typical simulation modeling workflow
Simulation modeling follows a process much like this:
# Use a 2D or
3D CAD tool to develop a virtual model, also known as a digital prototype, to represent a design.
# Generate a 2D or 3D mesh for analysis calculations. Automatic algorithms can create finite element meshes, or users can create structured meshes to maintain control over element quality.
# Define
finite element analysis
Finite element method (FEM) is a popular method for numerically solving differential equations arising in engineering and mathematical models, mathematical modeling. Typical problem areas of interest include the traditional fields of structural ...
data (loads, constraints, or materials) based on analysis type (thermal, structural, or fluid). Apply
boundary conditions
In the study of differential equations, a boundary-value problem is a differential equation subjected to constraints called boundary conditions. A solution to a boundary value problem is a solution to the differential equation which also satis ...
to the model to represent how the part will be restrained during use.
# Perform finite element analysis, review results, and make engineering judgments based on results.
See also
*
Comparison of system dynamics software
This is a comparison of various aspects of software offering system dynamics features:
''Due to concerns over commercial postings on the system dynamics main topic, commercial hyperlinks are specifically NOT active on this list.''
Table of syste ...
*
Mathematical and theoretical biology
Mathematical and theoretical biology, or biomathematics, is a branch of biology which employs theoretical analysis, mathematical models and abstractions of living organisms to investigate the principles that govern the structure, development ...
*
Operations research
Operations research () (U.S. Air Force Specialty Code: Operations Analysis), often shortened to the initialism OR, is a branch of applied mathematics that deals with the development and application of analytical methods to improve management and ...
*
Power system simulation
References
The CBS Interactive Business Network* Winsberg, Eric (2003)
Simulated Experiments: Methodology for a Virtual World* Roger D. Smith
eMatter, December 1999
* A. Borshchev, A. Filippov
"From System Dynamics and Discrete Event to Practical Agent-Based Modeling: Reasons, Techniques, Tools" The 22nd International Conference of the System Dynamics Society, July 2004, Oxford, England
External links
Institute for Simulation and Training, University of Central FloridaNational Center for SimulationSimulation Interoperability Standards OrganizationThe Society for Modeling and Simulation International (Formerly the Society of Computer Simulation)
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Mathematical and quantitative methods (economics)