Simulation Definition and 896 Threads

A simulation is the imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time. Simulations require the use of models; the model represents the key characteristics or behaviors of the selected system or process, whereas the simulation represents the evolution of the model over time. Often, computers are used to execute the simulation.
Simulation is used in many contexts, such as simulation of technology for performance tuning or optimizing, safety engineering, testing, training, education, and video games. Simulation is also used with scientific modelling of natural systems or human systems to gain insight into their functioning, as in economics. Simulation can be used to show the eventual real effects of alternative conditions and courses of action. Simulation is also used when the real system cannot be engaged, because it may not be accessible, or it may be dangerous or unacceptable to engage, or it is being designed but not yet built, or it may simply not exist.Key issues in modeling and simulation include the acquisition of valid sources of information about the relevant selection of key characteristics and behaviors used to build the model, the use of simplifying approximations and assumptions within the model, and fidelity and validity of the simulation outcomes. Procedures and protocols for model verification and validation are an ongoing field of academic study, refinement, research and development in simulations technology or practice, particularly in the work of computer simulation.

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  1. CarlB

    Simulation for Newton's gravity, GR to be added later.

    May as well announce my Java applet that simulates Newton's law of gravitation. The initial conditions are set to give a demonstration of conservation of angular momentum. That is, 8 test masses are launched, all with the same angular momentum, and their orbits cross on the other side of the...
  2. M

    PSpice simulation vs temperature

    I am trying to define the sensitivity of a piezoresistance as a function of temperature using PARAMETERS. The equation is: {S=S0(1-TCS(temp-25))}. The problem is that "temp" doesn't change during a Temperature Sweep, but I don't have any error either. Could you help me?
  3. Astronuc

    NASA NASA Achieves Breakthrough In Black Hole Simulation

    http://www.nasa.gov/vision/universe/starsgalaxies/gwave.html
  4. A

    Are we living in a computer simulation?

    Came upon the following article: http://www.simulation-argument.com/simulation.html Granted, there are some other approaches to the these metaphysical questions (string theory for instance) but... will it actually reveal the meaning of life or maybe finally discover GOD or refute his...
  5. K

    Gunshot simulation with FEMLAB

    Hi! I'm about to start an acoustic analysis of the local shooting range. The range is (as every other range in sweden) about to be forced to shut down since it's not PC to practice shooting in sweden. However, the official reason is that the sound pollution is to great. Im interested...
  6. DaveC426913

    Orbital Simulation: Estimating Mass from Orbit & Visual Observations

    (unrelated to my other post about an asteroid) 1] I would like to check a postulation with someone who has an orbital simulator, or a good head for orbital mechanics. Given an object such as a comet with orbital period of about 150 years, could it have a perihelion at a distance between...
  7. K

    Discovering the Origin of Life through reverse-time physics simulation.

    If we understand the possible origin of life very well, we could model it on a supercomputer using known physical laws. Physical laws can be used to trace a pathway forwards and backwards in time as astronomers do when predicting the motions of the planets, or tracing back previous postions...
  8. A

    Inter-Planetary Modeling: Our Solar System Simulation

    We had a project in PHYC 2050 to write an applet simulating a scientific model. Me and my partner chose the solar system, which was a step up from the other projects (ideal gas law, refraction :biggrin: ). We took into account inter-planetary actions and used a simple "assume force is contant...
  9. D

    AC vs DC Simulation: Understanding the Difference

    I have a simple question about AC/DC. I expected a circuit with a given DC voltage to be equivalent to one with an AC voltage whose value (peak-to-peak) is the same (at least theoretically). For 10 V DC, I get a load voltage of 1.6667 V, whereas 10 Vp-p AC gives 1.6602 V (simulation). Are there...
  10. ranger

    Solve Spice Simulation Error: " .END Card Missing

    I'm currently learning spice. I need help with a very simple circuit. http://www.ibiblio.org/obp/electricCircuits/Ref/01004.png Here is the netlist: Example netlist v1 1 0 dc 15 r1 1 0 2.2k r2 1 2 3.3k r3 2 0 150 .end When I run it in spice(2g6) I get: ******* 12/04/10 ******** SPICE...
  11. DaveC426913

    Someone want to have fun with asteroid simulation?

    I'm playing matchmaker again. A guy on another board (ADP) is doing research for a story about a near-miss asteroid and he wants to get his physics right. I am strongly suggesting he do a proper simulation so he's got his numbers straight. Would anyone with the right software be willing to...
  12. J

    Spacecraft Attitude Control Simulation

    I'm building a spacecraft attitude control simulation and I'm looking for some references to help me build a realistic mathematical model. Could someone please help me? I'm testing an AI library I built and that is requiring a lot of research in itself. Thanks for your time! Jeff
  13. ranger

    Pneumatic/hydraulic simulation software?

    I'm looking pneumatic/hydraulic simulation software. Anyone know any good ones? It would be nice if they had a trail version also. --thank you.
  14. DaveC426913

    Why Do Different Planetary Simulation Softwares Show Discrepancies?

    I am disappointed and a little alarmed to find big discrepancies between simulator software. Following advice from https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=84458", I tried simulating the same date: May 5 1975 with three simulators: http://www.fourmilab.ch/cgi-bin/uncgi/Solar"...
  15. B

    Motorcycle/Rider simulation. Problems controlling oscillations.

    Hello, My first post and it's going to be a question =) I hope I can get some replies. Here we go :- I'm constructing a simulation of a motorcycle with rider and I have encountered a problem with oscillation (lack of stability) that I just can't find a solution for. Basically the bike will...
  16. T

    How to Model a Fast-Response Induction Machine for Variable Load Simulations?

    I'm modelling an induction machine used as a fast-response drive that provides on-demand additional power to a manually operated lever. My problem is I have no fixed operating point, the motor operates at high speeds but only for a maximum of 10 seconds at a time. I'm also modelling this out of...
  17. K

    Simulation with Multisim problem

    This is the value after i calculate ,but use multisim to simulate this circuit,i get a answer different completely with the calculate answer.Example the Vout,also is most importent value,the calculate answer is -2.1V,but the answer of simulation is possitive value!y will like this?It i use the...
  18. T

    Finding the Right Software for Building Energy Simulation

    Does anyone know any good software to calculate the need for cooling/heating and such in builidings? One where I can change properties of almost every building aspect, such as wall-thickness, insulation, sun conditions, windows, outside temp, inside temp, and so on to find the energy needed to...
  19. G

    How Do You Add Angular Frequencies in Wave Simulations?

    I am working on creating a simulation of beats. I need to start with: (where w is angular frequency), w1 + w2 = w1,2 then w1,2 + w3 = w1,2,3 then w1,2,3 + w4 = w1,2,3,4 and so on, to create a wave packet where I will plot w1,2,3,4...n. My problem is that I do not understand how to...
  20. M

    Simulation of Radioactive Decay

    Okay, I've got this problem in my Chemistry class. It's about half-lifes and all that. If this is the wrong place to post this, then somebody can move it I guess. I've got a 10.0 g sample of an unknown. They give me the following info, wanting me to plot it on a graph. That's the easy...
  21. Z

    Exploring 2D Temperature-Based Fluid Flow Simulation

    Ive been thinking a lot and come nowhere, is it possible to create a program with a 2D envirment where the temperature change from place to place and make the computer calculate a current in the fluid? if so how would the mathematic look like then?
  22. W

    Quantum Computing Simulation: Possibilities & Limitations

    Is it theoretically possible to simulate a quantum computer by a real one (ie a Turing machine equivalent) even approximately? Any comments? Sorry if this has already been discussed. :confused:
  23. S

    Can Femlab 3.1i Accurately Simulate Plasma Density in a Z-Pinch Discharge?

    HI and Hello, i would like to simulate a plasma discharge (z-Pinch discharge) with the Femlab Software 3.1i. The resulsts should be the density of the plasma or the temperautre after a compression. As input parameter serves the measured time dependent current. I have tried the...
  24. H

    Simulation of the fission as a stochastic process

    Hello I'm a french student, I'm actually not sure this is the good place to ask my question but as it deals with the nuclear fission I try here... don't hesitate to tell me if there is a better forum... thx.. well, I'm trying to solve numerically the Langevin equation, initially for...
  25. K

    Fluid Flow Simulation: Materials and Instructions for Research

    I need badly some materials or instructions on how to simulate fluid flow or similar/related things to finish my research in the next 3 months...Do you know where I can find some to read, or places where I can download source code ?? Anything about it is really fine, how to simulate is also...
  26. T

    Why Does Restricting a Pendulum's Angle Component Simplify Simulation?

    I've been working on a program that simulates the chaotic action of a pendulum with magnets near the 'bob'. I represent the pendulum as a constant length rod at an angle to the vertical. The angle is a vector, with the direction being the axis it is rotated around and the magnitude being the...
  27. T

    Is there a program for simulating near field electromagnetic fields?

    Hi, I´m looking for a program (free or cheap download) that can simulate the nearfield of a coil/ field of inductive antennas preferably in 3D. Does anyone know if such a thing exist? t.
  28. C

    Motion Simulation Software for Predicting Marble Trajectory

    I am looking for a software that will allow me to predict the motion of a ball on a particular surface. In reality, surface is made of a large, framed rubber sheet that is pulled by a heavy weight at the middle. A marble is rolled across the sheet in circles, elipses, spirals, etc. The function...
  29. K

    Best Circuit Simulation Software: Ease of Use and Flexibility?

    I'm looking for some options for good circuit simulation and design software (for electrical systems and electronics). We use OrCad (PSpice) at school, but I find it very messy. Is there a program that is both easy (and logical) to use, yet powerful and flexible? Any suggestions and...
  30. E

    Atwood Machine simulation problem

    Need a check on this one please. In an Atwood Machine simulation, m1 is 1.0kg and m2 is 1.1kg. m2 rests on the floor that exerts a normal force, Fn, on m2. when the system is in equalibrium, the tension, T, in the rope at 2.54s is 9.789. If Fn +T- m2*g = 0 then Fn = .991. Is this correct?
  31. H

    N-body simulation test with sun, earth and moon

    Hi ! first, excuse my english, I'm just a poor french student... and we are so bad in languages here... anyway.. I'm trying to make a little program which could calculate the motion (and some other little things) of n bodies linked with gravitationnal interaction. (my final aim will be to...
  32. E

    Hold'em poker hands simulation

    you don't even have to know the rules of poker to help me out.. this should be very simple math but i just can't figure it out... 10 players (including me) are dealt 2 cards each. Of 169 possible starting hands, i only want to play 16 of the best hands (the remaining 153 hands i would...
  33. C

    What is the Optimal Size for a Cosmological N-Body Simulation Box?

    Hi, Could some body please explain me how to identfy the size of simulation box in cosmological n-body simulation with the physical scales in the universe. For example if I am using 128 grid points along one direction in a Particle Mesh code and total number of particles are 128*128*1228. Now...
  34. Clausius2

    Exploring a Numerical Simulation of a Ram Accelerator Device

    I've just got my final year project assigned. It has to do with a numerical simulation of a Ram Accelerator device. Well, apart of having doubts, which I will post just here proximately, I would want to know some website to learn more about that type of device. Apart of Google sites...
  35. A

    Runge Kutta 4: problems in application in computer simulation

    Hi everyone! Despite I have not too much knowledge of ODE's I'm trying to implement a more or less general 3D physics simulator. By now, the simulator (only kinematics and simple rotations of a body rigid, at the moment) works with euler integrator but I'd like to move to some more...
  36. Z

    Atomic simulation and lots of questions

    First, hi. This is my first post, and after careful perusing of the forum I *think* this post is in the correct place. Feel free to move it around if not, apologies. The meat of my questions. I'm a High School student that would like to simulate atoms on the computer. I've been getting...
  37. C

    Simulation of Electromagnet Force

    Hello, This sounds like a silly idea, but I am trying to simulate all forces of in the universe on my computer, putting in the correct physics equations for each force, one by one. I was already able to simulate the force of gravity with the following formulas/equations: G = 6.674205043E-11...
  38. C

    Help creating circuit simulation software

    I am creating a circuit building simulation using multimedia software 'Flash'. Basically the user is presented with a circuit board onto which they can drag components such as batteries, resistors, bulbs, ammeters, voltmeters, switches, and of course lengths of wire. I have been reading...
  39. L

    Solving Artillery Simulation Problems in High School

    I was wondering if yall could help me out with creating some formulas to use in an artillery simulation. I'm barly in HS and this sort of thing blows me out of the water. Theres 3 parts you need, I have the first mostly figured out. You are given the latitude and longitude of both your...
  40. check

    Interactive Orbital Mechanics Simulation with Joystick Control

    http://www.medphys.ucl.ac.uk/~martins/orbit/orbit.html One of the best programs for anyone interested in orbital mechanics of space flight or anyone who just wants to simulate a shuttle or Apollo flight with a joystick. :smile: I found this a couple of days ago and have downloaded about...
  41. T

    Aerodynamics simulation programs

    Hey there. I'm currently studying to become a mechanical engineer, and in one of my projects I'm in need of some program that can simulate aerodynamics of different shapes. I only expect some kind of simple pogram, nothing fancy, but I don't know anything about this kind of program, so I...
  42. G

    Experience Realistic Lens Simulation with Our Convex Lens Program

    Convex Lens How about this simulation program How about this ?>
  43. L

    How Do You Simulate Magnetic Field Lines in MATLAB?

    Hello everyone, I am trying my best to do this simulation on Matlab to show the expancion of Magnetic field lines out of a coil. Now, finding the amplitude and direction of the field at a given place is pretty simple, the trick is to produce those tidy lines we all see in books, i gather they...
  44. S

    Are You Living In a Computer Simulation?

    The Simulation Argument Are You Living In a Computer Simulation? Nick Bostrom, PhD Philosophy Faculty, Oxford University This website features scholarly investigations into the idea that you might currently be literally living in a computer simulation, running on a computer built by...
  45. C

    General (inaccurate) Kinetics Simulation

    Hi. I'm designing a computer game at the moment (it's still in the theory stages right now, since I can't get much done until I've got a working engine for it) -- I make 'ammateur' games as a personal hobby in my free time. However, my latest attempt is a bit more mathematically ambitious than...
  46. S

    Inclined plane 3d physics simulation

    I try to program a 3d-physic simulation, with bouncy collisions, friction, etc. and i have a problems with splitting forces at an inclined plane. i know that F_n = F_g * sin(\alpha) and F_p = F_g * cos(\alpha) F_n ... normal force F_p ... parallel force F_g ... gravity force...
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