Modeling and Simulation Software Lecture 6

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Questions and Answers

What aspect should be evaluated when selecting simulation software?

Speed of execution (correct)

User interface simplicity

Availability of online tutorials

Popularity among peers

Why should one be cautious about checklists that contain only 'yes' and 'no' as entries?

They often confuse the user with jargon.

They provide a complete analysis of features.

They may oversimplify complex features. (correct)

They are too lengthy to be useful.

What is an important feature of simulation software regarding external code?

It should have external code linkage capabilities. (correct)

It needs to be purely graphical.

It requires all code to be written in Java.

It must only accept Python code.

What trade-off should be considered when selecting simulation software?

Graphical model-building environments versus simulation languages (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the statement 'no programming required' imply in some simulation software?

It only relates to syntax, not procedural logic development. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which programming language is noted for having a significant number of models created with it?

FORTRAN (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage of using general-purpose programming languages for simulation?

Long development cycle for each model (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a primary advantage of using general simulation languages?

Standardized features often needed in modeling (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary disadvantage of special-purpose simulation packages?

They often have high software costs. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which simulation language is characterized as a block-structured language?

GPSS (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential aspect to consider when selecting simulation software?

The specific needs of the project (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of general simulation languages?

No additional training required (A) Signup and view all the answers

What disadvantage is common to both general-purpose and general simulation languages?

Challenges in model verification (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Modeling and Simulation Software

Lecture 6, by Dr. Samah A. Z. Hassan
Covers simulation software: general-purpose languages, general simulation languages, and special-purpose simulation packages.

Chapter 4: Simulation Software

Categorizes simulation software into 3 types:
- Simulation with General Purpose Languages
- Simulation with General Simulation Languages
- Simulation with Special-purpose Simulation Packages

General-Purpose Programming Languages

Flexible and familiar
Well-suited for learning discrete event simulation (DES) concepts and techniques
Examples include C, C++, and Java

Simulation Programming Language

Examples include GPSS/HTM, SIMAN V, and SLAM II.

Simulation Environment

Effective for quickly building models.
Includes built-in features(e.g., queue structures).
Provides graphics and animation.
Examples include Arena AutoMod 2 and Arena.

History of Simulation Software

Presents a timeline of simulation software development, from early languages like FORTRAN and ALGOL to modern languages like C++, Matlab, Arena, and OpNet.
Shows how languages and software evolved over time.

General Purpose Languages: Advantages

Low or no additional software costs.
Widely available and portable.
No specific training usually required(general programming skills).

General Purpose Languages: Disadvantages

Each model typically starts from scratch.
Limited reusable code.
Long development cycle for each model.
Complex verification process.

General Purpose Languages: Specific Languages

FORTRAN: Widely used for modeling, potentially more models created than any other language.
PASCAL: Not as universal as FORTRAN.
MODULA: Significant improvements over PASCAL.
ADA: Department of Defense attempt at standardizing C++.
JAVA: Object-oriented programming language.

General Simulation Languages: Advantages

Standardized features often needed in modeling.
Shorter development cycle for models.
Comprehensive support for model verification.
Easy-to-understand code.

General Simulation Languages: Disadvantages

High initial software cost.
Requires training.
Limited portability.

General Simulation Languages: Specific Languages

GPSS: A block-structured language with an interpretive execution model. Based on FORTRAN.
SIMSCRIPT II.5: English-like problem description language, compiled programs, and a complete language.

Special-Purpose Simulation Packages: Advantages

Rapid development of complex models.
Short learning curve.
Minimal programming required.

Special-Purpose Simulation Packages: Disadvantages

High software cost.
Limited applicability to specific needs.
Potentially lower flexibility (may not fully match a specific application).

Specific Simulation Software Tools

NETWORK 11.5: For computer systems
OPNET: For communication networks
COMNET III: For communication networks
SIMFACTORY: For manufacturing operations

Selecting Simulation Software

Important factors include:
- Accuracy and detail
- Ease of learning
- Vendor support
- Applicability to the problem.
Execution speed is crucial.
Avoid focusing only on experimental runs during off hours(weekend or night).
Look beyond marketing or demo features.
- Ask for a small problem solution from the vendor.
- Be careful about "checklist" approach.
- Carefully assess level of fidelity and functionality of the simulation model.
Simulation software can be either GUI based (graphical, model-based environments) or need programming for complex simulations.

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Description

This quiz covers Dr. Samah A. Z. Hassan's Lecture 6 on simulation software. It explores three categories of simulation software, including general-purpose programming languages and special-purpose simulation packages. Enhance your understanding of simulation environments and historical development in this field.