How Do Computer Simulations Help Us?
Computer simulation is used as a representative of real-world processes. A simulation allows the user to perform experiments and develop processes that affect objects as well as humans, without altering or affecting the original object. Computer simulations are widely used in biology, chemistry, economics and physics. And let's not forget about movies and games. Simulating a process is an invaluable way of analyzing the outcome when various "what if" scenarios are applied.
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Types of Computer Simulation
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"DE" or discrete simulations are used to discover logic defects in a design or sequence of events.
"Continuous" simulations use real people in a simulated environment as seen in the auto racing and flight simulator games or as used in interactive training programs.
"Constructive" simulation is the process that is used when all aspects a scenario are simulated: people, environment and equipment. This type of simulation is used extensively by the military for determining possible outcomes of strategic maneuvers in war games and in producing training scenarios.
Computer Simulations in Everyday Life
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Most everyone comes in contact with computer simulations of one type or another, many times without realizing it. Motion pictures and television use computer simulations extensively to create fantastic effects but also for the simulation of exotic locations. Most armies are trained using computer simulation; airline pilots use computer models to learn how to fly planes; some driving schools use computer simulations to teach driving; and children in schools use computer simulation for testing and reading comprehension among other things.
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Benefits of Computer Simulation
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Computer simulations assist biologists in making advances in medicine by simulating real-time data processing and experiments, it provides a means of records processing and is able to assist doctors in making medical diagnoses.
Computer simulations are changing how surgery is performed and how diseases are treated. Advanced surgical procedures are refined with the assistance of computer simulations.
Computer modeling, as it is called, allows researchers to explore the reactions of certain actions that may be too complex or dangerous to observe in real-world applications. It is the computer simulation that allows them to be able to predict the spread of diseases such as the flu. Engineers use computer simulation to design everything from buildings to bridges.
Who Uses Computer Simulations
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Investment bankers will use a computer model to analyze your income and develop a strategy for the most effective investment for your retirement. Most large (and some smaller) companies will use simulations for management training and development programs. Architects and engineers use computer simulations for design and modeling. Educators use it as an assessment tool to determine the effectiveness of certain teaching strategies. And militaries around the world use computer simulations for training soldiers.
The Future of Computer Simulation
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Dr. Sharon Glotzer, a University of Michigan professor of Chemical Engineering, is the chairperson of a nine-member panel consisting of professors from various leading universities. This panel issued a report titled "International Assessment of Simulation-Based Engineering and Science" in which they determined that computer simulation is "a critical enabling tool in science and engineering throughout the world" and that "it's altering how materials are designed, developed and used in all industrial sectors." The report also determined that tomorrow's scientists and engineers are not currently being prepared for the advances to come in computer simulation.
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