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?

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

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

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

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

<p>FORTRAN (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Long development cycle for each model (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Standardized features often needed in modeling (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

<p>GPSS (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The specific needs of the project (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>No additional training required (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Challenges in model verification (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Evaluating Simulation Software

When evaluating simulation software, it's important to test its accuracy and detail level, user-friendliness, vendor support, and relevance to your specific problem.

Execution Speed

Simulation software should be able to process your models quickly and efficiently; speed is crucial for practical applications.

Beware of Advertising Claims

Don't be swayed by marketing claims alone. Look beyond flashy demos to understand how the software actually performs in real-world scenarios.

Beware of Checklists

Many simulation software advertise features like 'conveyor entities,' but the functionality and level of detail can vary widely. Focus on practical capabilities, not just surface-level features.

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Integration with External Languages

The ability for a simulation model to integrate with external code, written in languages like C, C++, or FORTRAN, is a valuable feature, especially if you already have working code.

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Simulating with General Purpose Languages

Using general-purpose programming languages like C, C++, and Java to create simulations. Provides flexibility and familiarity, but requires more effort in model development.

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Simulating with General Simulation Languages

Specialized languages designed specifically for simulation, such as GPSS/HTM, SIMAN V, and SLAM II. Offer standardized features and speed up model development.

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Simulating with Special-purpose Simulation Packages

Software packages like Arena, Automod, and SIMFACTORY, providing a user-friendly environment for creating simulations. They offer built-in features and visualization tools.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Simulation Software Approaches

General-purpose programming languages offer flexibility and familiarity, but require more development effort. Simulation languages are specialized for simulation, offering standardized features and faster development. Special-purpose packages are user-friendly, offering pre-built models and visualization tools.

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Examples of General Purpose Languages for Simulation

FORTRAN, PASCAL, MODULA, ADA, C++, and Java are examples of general-purpose programming languages used for simulation.

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Examples of General Simulation Languages

GPSS and SIMSCRIPT II.5 are popular examples of general simulation languages, offering standardized features for creating simulations.

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Examples of Special-purpose Simulation Packages

NETWORK II.5 simulates computer systems, OPNET simulates communication networks, COMNET III simulates communications networks, and SIMFACTORY simulates manufacturing operations.

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Selecting Simulation Software

When choosing simulation software, evaluate its features, ease of use, cost, and suitability for your project. Avoid focusing on a single aspect like ease of use.

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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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Lecture 6: Modeling and Simulation PDF

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