simulation
Sign in to saveA 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 which 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. Another way to distinguish between the terms is to define simulation as experimentation with the help of a model. This definition includes time-i
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A simulation is an imitative representation of a real-world process or system that allows you to see how it behaves and changes over time. Simulations matter because they let you experiment with models of complex systems—whether natural, technological, or social—without having to test them in the real world, which can be costly, dangerous, or impractical.
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61 sectionsContents
- Classification and terminology
- Data simulation
- Computer simulation
- Computer science
- Simulation in education and training
- {{anchor|Simulated world}}Virtual simulation
- Virtual simulation input hardware
- Current research into user input systems
- Virtual simulation output hardware
- Clinical healthcare simulators
- Placebo
- Improving patient safety
- History of simulation in healthcare
- Type of models
- Active models
- Interactive models
- Computer simulators
- Simulation in entertainment
- History of visual simulation in film and games
- Early history (1940s and 1950s)
- 1970s and early 1980s
- Pre-virtual cinematography era (early 1980s to 1990s)
- Virtual cinematography (early 2000s–present)
- Examples of non-film entertainment simulation
- Simulation games
- Theme park rides
- Simulation and manufacturing
- More examples of simulation
- Automobiles
- Biomechanics
- City and urban
- Christmas
- Communication satellites
- Digital lifecycle
- Disaster preparedness
- Economics
- Engineering, technology, and processes
- Ergonomics
- Finance
- Flight
- Marine
- Military
- Network and distributed systems
- Payment and securities settlement system
- Power systems
- Project management
- Robotics
- Production
- Sales process
- Sports
- Space shuttle countdown
- Satellite navigation
- Trains
- Weather
- Simulation games
- Historical usage
- See also
- Fields of study
- Specific examples & literature
- References
- External links
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 which 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. Another way to distinguish between the terms is to define simulation as experimentation with the help of a model. This definition includes time-independent simulations. 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.