Lecture 1
Introduction to Simulation
Introduction to Simulation
Real-world A set of assumptions
Modeling
process concerning the behavior of a system & Analysis
Simulation
the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time
to develop a set of assumptions of mathematical, logical, and symbolic
relationship between the entities of interest, of the system.
to estimate the measures of performance of the system with the
simulation-generated data
Simulation modeling can be used
as an analysis tool for predicting the effect of changes to existing systems
as a design tool to predict the performance of new systems
When Simulation is the Appropriate Tool (1)
Simulation enables the study of, and experimentation with, the
internal interactions of a complex system, or of a subsystem within
a complex system.
Informational, organizational, and environmental changes can be
simulated, and the effect of these alterations on the model’s
behavior can be observed.
The knowledge gained in designing a simulation model may be of
great value toward suggesting improvement in the system under
investigation.
By changing simulation inputs and observing the resulting outputs,
valuable insight may be obtained into which variables are most
important and how variables interact.
Simulation can be used as a pedagogical (Educational) device to
reinforce analytic solution methodologies.
When Simulation is the Appropriate Tool (2)
Simulation can be used to experiment with new designs or policies
prior to implementation, so as to prepare for what may happen.
Simulation can be used to verify analytic solutions.
By simulating different capabilities for a machine, requirements can
be determined.
Simulation models designed for training allow learning 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 modern system (factory, wafer fabrication plant, service
organization, etc.) is so complex that the interactions can be
treated only through simulation.
When Simulation is not Appropriate
When the problem can be solved using common sense.
When the problem can be solved analytically.
When it is easier to perform direct experiments.
When the simulation costs exceed the savings.
When the resources or time are not available.
When system behavior is too complex or can’t be defined.
When there isn’t the ability to verify and validate the model.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Simulation (1)
Advantages
New polices, operating procedures, decision rules, information flows,
organizational procedures, and so on can be explored without disrupting
ongoing operations of the real system.
New hardware designs, physical layouts, transportation systems, and so
on, can be tested without committing resources for their acquisition.
Hypotheses about how or why certain phenomena occur can be tested
for feasibility.
Insight can be obtained about the interaction of variables.
Insight can be obtained about the importance of variables to the
performance of the system.
Bottleneck analysis can be performed indicating where work-in-process,
information, materials, and so on are being excessively delayed.
A simulation study can help in understanding how the system operates
rather than how individuals think the system operates.
“What-if” questions can be answered. This is particularly useful in the
design of new system.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Simulation (2)
Disadvantages
Model building requires special training. It is an art that is learned over
time and through experience. Furthermore, if two models are
constructed by two competent individuals, they may have similarities,
but it is highly unlikely that they will be the same.
Simulation results may be difficult to interpret. Since most simulation
outputs are essentially random variables (they are usually based on
random inputs), it may be hard to determine whether an observation is
a result of system interrelationships or randomness.
Simulation modeling and analysis can be time consuming and
expensive. Skimping on resources for modeling and analysis may result
in a simulation model or analysis that is not sufficient for the task.
Simulation is used in some cases when an analytical solution is
possible, or even preferable. This might be particularly true in the
simulation of some waiting lines where closed-form queueing models
are available.
Areas of Application (1)
WSC(Winter Simulation Conference) : http://www.wintersim.org
Manufacturing Applications
Analysis of electronics assembly operations
Design and evaluation of a selective assembly station for high-precision scroll
compressor shells
Comparison of dispatching rules for semiconductor manufacturing using
large-facility models
Evaluation of cluster tool throughput for thin-film head production
Determining optimal lot size for a semiconductor back-end factory
Optimization of cycle time and utilization in semiconductor test manufacturing
Analysis of storage and retrieval strategies in a warehouse
Investigation of dynamics in a service-oriented supply chain
Model for an Army chemical munitions disposal facility
Semiconductor Manufacturing
Comparison of dispatching rules using large-facility models
The corrupting influence of variability
A new lot-release rule for wafer fabs
Areas of Application (2)
Assessment of potential gains in productivity due to proactive reticle
management
Comparison of a 200-mm and 300-mm X-ray lithography cell
Capacity planning with time constraints between operations
300-mm logistic system risk reduction
Construction Engineering
Construction of a dam embankment
Trenchless renewal of underground urban infrastructures
Activity scheduling in a dynamic, multiproject setting
Investigation of the structural steel erection process
Special-purpose template for utility tunnel construction
Military Application
Modeling leadership effects and recruit type in an Army recruiting station
Design and test of an intelligent controller for autonomous underwater
vehicles
Modeling military requirements for nonwarfighting operations
Multitrajectory performance for varying scenario sizes
Using adaptive agent in U.S Air Force pilot retention
Areas of Application (3)
Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution Applications
Evaluating the potential benefits of a rail-traffic planning algorithm
Evaluating strategies to improve railroad performance
Parametric modeling in rail-capacity planning
Analysis of passenger flows in an airport terminal
Proactive flight-schedule evaluation
Logistics issues in autonomous food production systems for extended-
duration space exploration
Sizing industrial rail-car fleets
Product distribution in the newspaper industry
Design of a toll plaza
Choosing between rental-car locations
Quick-response replenishment
Areas of Application (4)
Business Process Simulation
Impact of connection bank redesign on airport gate assignment
Product development program planning
Reconciliation of business and systems modeling
Personnel forecasting and strategic workforce planning
Human Systems
Modeling human performance in complex systems
Studying the human element in air traffic control
