Introduction to Modeling and Simulation
1. System Analysis (SA)
System Analysis is the structured process of investigating a system to understand its components, behavior,
interrelationships, and performance with the goal of identifying problems, inefficiencies, and improvement
opportunities.
Purpose:
- To gain deep insight into how a system works.
- To identify what components influence what outcomes.
- To define boundaries, resources, constraints, and interactions.
Key Elements:
- System: A collection of components (physical or abstract) that work together to perform a function.
- Environment: Everything external to the system that interacts with it.
- Inputs: The data, energy, or materials entering the system.
- Outputs: The result or product produced by the system.
- Constraints: Limitations in resources, time, or policies.
- Objectives: What the system is expected to achieve.
Steps in System Analysis:
1. Problem Identification
2. System Description
3. Data Collection
4. Model Building
5. Model Validation
6. Analysis
7. Conclusion and Recommendations
2. Classification of Systems
Introduction to Modeling and Simulation
Systems vary widely in type and behavior. Classification helps model them appropriately.
Based on Environment Interaction:
- Open System: Interacts with the environment (e.g., human body).
- Closed System: Isolated from environment (e.g., clockwork).
Based on Time Behavior:
- Static System: No time-dependent change (e.g., org chart).
- Dynamic System: Changes over time (e.g., traffic flow).
Based on Randomness:
- Deterministic System: Predictable (e.g., calculator).
- Stochastic System: Random behavior (e.g., queuing system).
Based on Linearity:
- Linear System: Proportional relationship.
- Non-Linear System: Complex and unpredictable.
Based on Complexity:
- Simple System: Easy to understand.
- Complex System: Many components and interactions.
Based on Human Interaction:
- Human-Machine System: ATM, cockpit.
- Automated System: Robots, automated factories.
3. System Theory Basics
System Theory is the interdisciplinary study of systems-how components interact and influence one another
to produce outcomes.
Introduction to Modeling and Simulation
Core Concepts:
- System: Interconnected elements with a purpose.
- Subsystem: Smaller part of a system.
- Boundary: Separates system from environment.
- Environment: External interacting elements.
- Input & Output: Data/material flow.
- State: Condition at a time.
- Feedback: Self-regulating mechanism.
Feedback Types:
- Positive Feedback: Reinforces change.
- Negative Feedback: Maintains stability.
Modeling Tools:
- Block diagrams, state diagrams, mathematical models.
4. Relation of System Theory to Simulation
Simulation is a practical application of system theory. It allows modeling and experimentation without
affecting the real world.
Definition:
Simulation is the imitation of real-world processes or systems over time, using a model.
Why Use Simulation?
- Test system behavior
- Predict outcomes
- Optimize performance
- Reduce cost
Introduction to Modeling and Simulation
System Theory -> Simulation Mapping:
- Components = Entities in simulation
- Inputs/Outputs = Parameters/results
- Feedback = Control logic
- Boundary = Model scope
- Environment = Simulation scenario
Types of Simulation:
- Discrete Event Simulation: Time-based changes (e.g., queues).
- Continuous Simulation: Continuous changes (e.g., chemical).
- Agent-Based Simulation: Individual behavior (e.g., social systems).
- Hybrid Simulation: Combination of the above.
Example: Inventory System
- Subsystems: suppliers, customers
- Inputs: orders
- Outputs: stock levels
- Feedback: reorder rules