38: Introduction to Simulation

"Computer simulation is a discipline of designing a model of an actual or theoretical system, executing the model (an experiment) on a digital computer, and statistically analyzing the execution output", Bolch (Queueing Networks and Markov Chains).“One must learn by doing the thing; for though you think you know it, you have no certainty until you try.”—Sophocles."The best advice to those about to embark on a very large simulation is often the same as Punch’s famous advice to those about to marry. Don’t!" — Bratley, Fox, and Schrage.

Lecture outline: A general introduction to simulation modeling.

1)Simulation basics and history

Where are simulations used?

Manual simulations.

Computational simulation modeling.

Simulation languages.

History of simulation languages: GPSS, SIMSCRIPT and SIMULA

2) Simulation models classification

Monte-carlo simulations

Discrete-event simulations.

Primary reference for this lecture:

1. “The Art of Computer Systems Performance Analysis: Techniques for Experimental Design,

2. "Measurement, Simulation, and Modeling” by Raj Jain; Chapter 24: “Introduction to Simulation”.

Secondary references for this lecture:

1. “Simulation Modeling and Analysis with Arena” by Tayfur Altiok et al.

2. “Network Modeling and Simulation, A Practical Approach” by Mohsen Guizani et al.; Chapter 1, “Basic Concepts and Techniques”

3. "Handbook of Simulation", edited by J Banks, Part 1: Chapter 1 and Chapter 2, Principles of Simulations.