ASSIGNMENT 1 AND ASSIGNMENT 2

COMPUTER SIMULATION AND MODELLING

SUBMITTED BY:
ASHIMA DHAWAN
110101058

ASSIGNMENT- 1
Q1. What do you understand by modeling? What are various principles in practice
for modeling a system, elaborate them in detail.
Answer) Data modeling is the formalization and documentation of existing processes and
events that occur during application software design and development. Data modeling
techniques and tools capture and translate complex system designs into easily understood
representations of the dataflow and processes, creating a blueprint for construction and/or reengineering.
Physical Models
These are based on some analogy between such systems as mechanical and electrical,
electrical and hydraulic, or human and animal. In a physical model the system attributes are
represented by such measurements as a voltage or the position of a shaft or behavior towards
something.
For example, a scale model of an airplane can be used in a wind tunnel to investigate the
effects of different wing shapes. Human biological processes can be modeled by using
laboratory animals or cultures in test tubes to test medical treatments for possible use on
people. Social processes too can be modeled, as when a new method of instruction is tried out
in a single classroom rather than in a whole school system.
Mathematical Models
These models use symbolic notation and mathematical equations to represent a system. A
mathematical model is a conceptual model that uses mathematical languages rather than
ordinary languages to represent a particular scientific context. The scientific context itself
would ordinarily be one that exists in the real world and the model is necessarily a simplified
description of the actual context. Ordinarily a model represents what are believed to be a few
crucial features of this context and achieves simplification by omitting other aspects which are
less important or are irrelevant.
As an example of simplification, consider the physical models of aircraft used in engineering.
The dimensions of the wings would be accurately reproduced to scale but the color of the
wings might not be reproduced. Color is usually considered irrelevant to the "lift" and other
aerodynamic characteristics that are being predicted. Even here, though, it is possible to
conceive of special circumstances where the color might be relevant (e.g. by affecting wing
temperatures).
Another example
The basic idea of mathematical modeling is to find a mathematical relationship that behaves
in the same way the system of interest does. (The system in this case can be other
abstractions, as well as physical or biological phenomena.) For example, the increasing speed
of a falling rock can be represented by the symbolic relation v = gt, where g has a fixed value.
The model implies that the speed of fall (v) increases in proportion to the time of fall (t). A
mathematical model makes it possible to predict what phenomena may be like in situations
outside of those in which they have already been observedbut only what they may be like.

Often, it is fairly easy to find a mathematical model that fits a phenomenon over a small range
of conditions (such as temperature or time), but it may not fit well over a wider range.
Although v = gt does apply accurately to objects such as rocks falling (from rest) more than a
few meters, it does not fit the phenomenon well if the object is a leaf (air drag limits its speed)
or if the fall is a much larger distance (the drag increases, the force of gravity changes).
A second distinction, within the above classification, between static models and dynamic
models is made as follows:
Static Models
Static models can only show the values that system attributes take when the system is in
balance. A static model is one that does not account for time. It identifies the before and after
outcomes but does not trace the path that the model takes to move from one equilibrium
position to another.
The supply and demand model (price determination) is an example of a static model in that it
identifies the two equilibrium positions, but it does not trace how the model moved between
the two positions.
Dynamic Models
These models follow the changes over time that result from the system activities. A dynamic
model contains time as a variable that can be used to trace how the model moves from one
equilibrium position to the next.
Static Physical Models (also termed as iconic models)
Examples of this type of models may be
o
o

Scale models (Shipbuilding)

Chemistry models (DNA)

Scale models are used in the wind tunnels and water tanks in the course of designing aircrafts
and ships. Although air is blown over the model, or the model is pulled through the water,
these are static physical models because the measurements that are taken represent
attributes of the system being studied under one set of equilibrium conditions.
Static physical models are also used as means of solving equations with particular boundary
conditions. There are many examples in physics where the same equations apply to different
physical phenomena. Examples will be discussed in the class.

Dynamic Physical Models

These models rely upon the analogy between the system being studied and some other
system of a different nature. The analogy usually depends upon an underlying similarity in the
forces governing the behavior of the systems.
Example

System A: Suspension of an automobile wheel when the automobile body is assumed to be

immobile in a vertical direction.

It represents
a mass that is subject to an applied force F(t) varying with time
a spring whose force is proportional to its extension or contraction
a shock absorber that exerts a damping force proportional to the velocity of the
mass

System B: An electrical circuit with an inductance L, a resistance R, and a capacitance C,

connected in series with a voltage source that varies in time according to the function E (t).
Static Mathematical Models
A static model gives the relationships between the system attributes when the system is in
equilibrium.
For example, in marketing a commodity there is a balance between the supply and demand for
the commodity. Both factors depend upon price. A simple model will exhibit what is the price
at which the
Dynamic Mathematical Models
These types of models allow the changes of system attributes to be derived as a function of
time. The equation showing the relationships may be established with either analytically or
with a numerical computation, depending upon the complexity of the model.

Q2. Discuss FIVE real life scenarios where simulation can be very effective. Also lay
down the limitations of such applications.
Answer) Law Enforcement: From weapons instruction to interpersonal skills, simulations play
an important role in the training of law enforcement. The ability of simulations to provide the
quickest scenario setting ensures an entire spectrum of training environments. The
development of automatic responses under a variety of scenarios enables law enforcement to
cultivate the ability to react quickly and competently (B. Cashier, personal communication,
January 30, 2010). The popular series Call of Duty and in particular Call of Duty: Modern
Warfare 2 provides a glimpse of an immersive environment which parallels many real world
scenarios of law enforcement as well as military.
Medical: The medical field uses simulations to train practitioners in a multitude of skills and
environments. While many of the simulations focus on medical procedures, simulations also
afford students the opportunity to develop communication and teamwork skills. Research
studies show the use of simulations increases improvement in multiple medical areas from
surgery to procedural skills (Okuda, 2009). While an incomplete experience, obstetrics

simulations give the practitioners a visual understanding of an experience that cannot be fully
emulated outside of the actual environment (K. Nance, personal communication, March 3,
2010). Medical simulations allow practitioners to apply theory to practice while gaining
competencies in varied settings; opportunities which would be limited by the traditional
rigidity of clinical experience.

Military: Simulations comprise a large portion of the preparation of the United States warrior.
From basic training to active duty, the soldier is immersed in both simulated and reality
environments. The U.S. military designs simulations to be relevant as well as realistic and thus
an integral part of the training process. Military simulations seek to bridge the gap between
the classroom instructions and the actual experience; targeting the development of (1) muscle
memory, (2) a course of action based on contingencies and (3) a trained reaction. Simulations
are used as a means to provide both preparation and correction (J. Tester, personal
communication, February 23, 2010). While simulations aid the trainee to confront the most
common combat mistakes and allow the instructor to make corrections in a timely manner,
simulations can never fully emulate the real world situation. The reality is unpredictable and
fluid. Simulations cannot substitute for the seat of the pants experience afforded by active
engagement (K. Cooper, personal communication, February 23, 2010). Even with its
limitations, simulations have proven to be an integral and valuable component to every form
of training the military uses today (G. R. Kast, personal communication, December 14, 2009).
Education: While not traditionally associated with simulations the educational arena is
utilizing simulations as a means of providing experience. Simulations, from an educational
standpoint, allow students the opportunity to gain real world experience while in the
classroom. Children can use simulations to be create, innovative, and limitless. Within the
classroom, students can simulate being a pilot, an engineer, a computer programmer, an
astronaut, an animator, a stylist, and an electrician. These opportunities and skills will afford
students the opportunity to excel in non-traditional core classroom disciplines (R. Hamm,
personal communication, March 8, 2010). Educational leaders also benefit from the use of
simulations which allow leadership and team building skills to be cultivated in a variety of
socio-economic environments, allowing for low-risk development of transferable experiences.
Business simulations proffer an immersive environment in which marketing strategies and
investment opportunities can be practiced without the expense and risk of capital outlay and
changing markets conditions can be manipulated to afford practice in both customer relations
as well as economic processes. Additionally, participants become familiar with global
regulations regarding domestic and international business practices. Even such popular
entertainment games such as EA Sport's NFL Madden incorporate a business element in the
management portion of the game. Players are no longer limited to simply honing their skills as
a sports coach, but can also experiment with sports management skills.
Q3. What type of applications system postulation studies refer to? Discuss at least
THREE such applications.

Answer)
System: A collection of entities (people, parts, messages, machines, servers, ) that act and
interact together toward some end (Schmidt and Taylor, 1970)

In practice, depends on objectives of study

Might limit the boundaries (physical and logical) of the system

Judgment call: level of detail

Usually assume a time element dynamic system

Types
Word Processing Software: Allows users to create, edit a document. Example: MS Word, Word
Pad etc.
Spreadsheet Software: Allows users to create document and perform calculation. Example:
Excel, Lotus1-2-3 etc.
Database Software: Allows users to store and retrieve vast amount of data. Example: MS
Access, MySQL, Oracle etc.
Q4. Define the environment of a system with an example and thus explain
exogenous versus endogenous activities. For a Banking System, write the name of
FIVE exogenous and these many endogenous activities.
Answer)
A System is defined as an aggregation or assemblage of objects joined in some regular
interaction or interdependence to produce some result.
Elements having no relationship with the set of elements that have been chosen
as system can not affect the system hence irrelevant
A System may consist of sub systems or may be a part of a larger system

Endogenous activities activities and events occurring within a system

Exogenous activities activities and events in the environment that affect the system
Banking system
Entities Customers
Attributes (property of an entity) Checking account balance, making deposits, getting a
draft made
Events arrival, departure of customers
State variables Number of busy tellers, number of customers waiting
Q5. Discuss the measure pitfalls of simulation by taking suitable examples.

Answer)
The implementation pitfall depicts not well-managed interdependencies between an
abstract model structure and its implementation using IT support. Inappropriate
software and programming tools play an important role in this regard.

The following example from applying simulation to a business problem highlights the
importance of working out most requirements of a simulation model prior to the IT
implementation. A widely held belief is that simulation models are easily adaptable. In
practice, however, seemingly minor adjustments are not easily implemented in an
existing simulation tool. This became evident in a project that was set up to centrally
structure and consolidates information about an organization's customers and
competitors. The goal was to make market behavior of customers and competitors
transparent and to use the insight to develop different scenarios. The scenarios were to
be quantified through what-if analysis. Due to the relatively large data volume, the
project team decided to draw on a relational database system that was already in place.
The software implementation of the planned production system was started before the
abstract modeling was actually completed. This quickly produced the first visible results.
Initially, it was still possible to implement all new requirements such as including profit
margins in addition to the sales information about customers. However, every new
requirement rapidly increased the time und expenses spent on the implementation
along with the model's complexity. The impact of the growing number of new
requirements spread from affecting just the business logic within the model to affecting
the database itself. It became harder to keep the database consistent with all new
extensions. The database consistency was at risk meaning that the software could no
longer be used. A new data model and entity relationship model were created at that
point based on all known requirements. This revealed the weaknesses of the existing IT
implementation, but also the technical limitations of the existing database. It became
obvious that certain interfaces to source systems for input data would not have been
realizable at acceptable costs. A software selection process was initiated that led to an
alternative. However, the costs of implementing requirements on the existing relational
database system could have been avoided in the first place.
Distraction Pitfall
Every simulation starts with developing a basic understanding of the question at hand.
It is impossible to define the part relevant for modeling and simplify reality without
having achieved that understanding. The process of conceiving the question commonly
tempts users to address seemingly related questions at the same time. This expansion
is mostly due to external pressures (e.g., from clients or superiors). Intrinsic motivation
exists as well and stems predominantly from a user's desire to take advantage of
perceived synergies between answering the question at hand and preparing other
existing or anticipated questions. While the intent is understandable, expanding the
original question typically requires enlarging the part of reality to be modeled in the
next step which makes the model structure more complex. We call this the distraction
pitfall.
Complexity Pitfall
Upon formulating the research question and defining the target system, i.e. the
corresponding part of reality to be modeled, the model structure is to be chosen. This
task is often perceived as particularly challenging. It often requires (sometimes
drastically) simplifying model entities and their relationships that exist in reality to
enable modeling. At the same time, the model structure has to represent reality with
sufficient precision for the simulation to yield applicable results
Failure to state clear objectives at the outset.
Failure to involve individuals affected by outcome.
Overrunning budget and time constraints.

 Failure to document and get a consensus on input data.

Including more detail than is needed.
Including variables that have little or no impact on system behavior.
Failure to verify and validate the model.
Basing decisions on a single run observation.
Basing decisions on average statistics when the output is actually cyclical.
Being too technical and detailed in presenting the results to management.

ASSIGNMENT- 2
Q1. Discuss FIVE scenarios where Physical models will be preferred to mathematical
models.

ANSWER)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

First scenario can be taken as hydraulic machine used in jcb can be used.
Secondly model airplane can be used which is more good than modeling model
Thirdly model car can be used
Fourthly model rocket
Fifth model railway

Q2. Is it possible that there can be a discrete model for a continuous system or
vice-versa? Comment critically.

ANSWER)
Discrete
State of the system is viewed as changing at discrete points in time: arrival of a
customer in a queuing system
An event is associated with each state transition
Events contain time stamp
Continuous
State of the system is viewed as changing continuously across time: rise if water
level in a dam
System typically described by a set of differential equations
Few systems in practice are wholly discrete or continuous
So there is no possibility a system can be discrete as well as continuous

Q5. Discuss the simulation of an auto-pilot system.

ANSWER) A typical missile autopilot is made up of two components; a navigation system and a
flight control system. The navigation system is comprised of a seeker head which acquires and
tracks a target and sends position information to the guidance algorithm which then calculates
the required lateral accelerations if the target is to be intercepted. It is the task of the flight
control system to achieve these lateral accelerations. The flight control system also typically
consists of two stages. The first stage, known as the LATAX controller, calculates the angular
velocities of the missile required to achieve the commanded lateral accelerations from the
navigation system. The final stage is the body rate controller, which calculates control surface
deflections in order to attain the angular velocities commanded by the LATAX controller. It is
the body rate control system that is modelled and simulated in this paper, the LATAX and
navigation systems are not considered. The body rates are composed of the pitch, roll and yaw
rates which are the rates of rotation about the missiles X, Y, and Z axes respectively.
Therefore, the objective of the control system presented in this paper is the accurate and
stable tracking of requested pitch, roll and yaw rates.