SIM 732 - Simulation and
Modelling : Introduction
What is a System?
System
collection of entities that act and interact together toward the
accomplishment of some logical end.
Examples: Bank, Traffic, Supermarket
- entity : An object of interest in a system
- attribute : property of an entity
- activity : any process that causes changes in the system.
state : description of all the entities, attributes and activities at any point
of time.
Ways to study a system
Model
Model
Model
A representation of the system and study it as a surrogate for the actual system
Model
Model
A representation of the system and study it as a surrogate for the actual system
Why Model?
Building a system is expensive
measuring a system is time-consuming
consuming
System may not physically exist
What is 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 a system."
Robert E Shannon 1975
What is 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 a system."
Robert E Shannon 1975
– imitation of the operation of a real-world
world process or system over time.
– generates an artificial history of a system and based on which inferences
concerning the operating characteristics of the real system can be drawn.
Why Simulation?
Many systems are highly complex, precluding the possibility of analytical
solution
The analytical solutions are extraordinarily complex, requiring vast computing
resources
Such systems should be studied by means of simulation
numerically exercising the model for inputs in question to see how they affect
the output measures of performance
When to use Simulation?
Allows access to system internals that may otherwise not be observable.
Informational, organizational, and environmental changes can be simulated, and
the effect of these changes on the model’s behavior can be observed.
Observations based on simulations give great insight into the system behavior,
and it can be determined which variables are most important and how they
interact.
Analytic solutions can be verified.
Simulation allows to experiment with new designs or policies prior to
implementation.
Can be used for training without the cost and disruption of on-the-job learning.
Animation shows a system in simulated operation so that the plan can be
visualized
The system is so complex, that its interactions can be treated only through
simulation
When NOT to use Simulation?
Would common sense suffice?
Is there an analytical solution?
Is it easier to perform direct measurements on a physical system?
Is the cost exceeding savings?
Is there a shortage of resources for implementing the simulation (funds are
lacking to purchase simulation tools, designing and conducting the simulation)?
Is there a shortage of time for getting the desired results?
Is data lacking for modeling the system and beginning a simulation study?
Is there enough time and personnel to verify and validate the model?
Are the managers’ expectations unrealistic?
Is the system too complex to be modeled?
Applications
Robotics
Flight systems
Finance
Military systems
Transportation systems
Construction systems
Computer system performance: Performance modelling
Data analytics
Communication systems and message protocols
Climate modeling
Health care
Research: Computational science
Industrial design and development
Simulation – one of the most widely used in operations research
Syllabus
Definition of Systems: Types of system, continuous and discrete modeling process
and definition of model. Common type of mathematical models used for
engineering and non-engineering system (such as differential and partial differential
equation models).
Simulation Process: Discrete and continuous simulation procedures, random
number generation and its testing discrete and continuous random variables, density
and distributive functions, study of few distributions such as Poisson, Normal.
Simulation of Queuing Systems: Specification and measures of queuing system,
Structure of basic queuing system, simulation, Example of time sharing computer
system, Elementary idea about networks of Queuing with particular emphasis to
computer system, environment. Verification and Validation: Design of simulation
experiments and validation of simulation experiments comparing model data units
and real system data.
Simulation Languages: A brief introduction to important discrete and continuous
languages such as GPSS (Study & use of the language), Use of data base & AI
techniques in the area of modeling and simulation.
simulation
Books
Text Books:
1) Narsingh Deo: System Simulation with Digital Computers.
2) Gorden G.: System Simulation, Prentice Hall.
Hall
3) Kishore Shridhar Bhai Trevide: Probability & Statistics with reliability Queuing,
Computer Science Application.
4) Payer, T.A.: Introduction to System Simulation McGraw Hill.
5) Reitman, J: Computer Simulation Application, Wiley.
6) Barnes B.: Modeling and Performance Measurement of Computer System.
7) Spriet, WI A.: Computer Aided Modeling and Simulation (Academic Press).
8) Law A M, Simulation and Modeling Analysis, McGraw Hill.
Other resources:
Jerry Banks, John S. Carson, Barry L. Nelson and David M. Nicol, “Discrete-Event
System Simulation”, Prentice-Hall of India.
Course Evaluation
Distribution Theory Lab
Mid-sem 30 20
End sem 75 50
Quiz 15 10
Assignment 15 10
Attendance 10 7
Internal Assessment 5 3
Total 150 100
