Modelling and Simulations

The Kingsway School

What are Computer Models?

When a real life situation is represented by computer software.

Can you think of something which could be modelled?

e.g. If we know the size of an atomic bomb and we know the population of different areas of Britain we can model how many people will die depending on where the bomb is detonated.

Advantages of Modelling

Models are cheaper than real items e.g. car crash testing

Results can be obtained quickly. e.g. many generations of bacteria can be modelled to see how resistance to antibiotics can increase.

Dangerous exercises can be simulated. e.g. testing a new plane design.

The same experiment can be run over and over adding in different factors e.g. car crashes from every angle.

Disadvantages of Modelling

It is very rare for all of the data to be known. Every rule would have to be exactly accurate to

get the perfect prediction. Why do car manufacturers still crash real cars

to test them?

Examples of Computer Models

Flight SimulatorsUsed to train pilots, far cheaper than sending them in a real plane. It is also safer than sending them up in a real plane.

GamesMost computer games are models. Anyone can have some of the fun driving a formula One car!

Science ExperimentsA large number of experiments can be carried out in a short space of time. Time lapse photography is very useful when studying plant growth.

Weather ForecastingWeather forecasts are becoming more accurate because more data is collected via satellite and observation. Super computers are used to make the complex calculations

Economic ModelsThese are used by the Treasury to predict the effects of tax changes on the British Economy.

Virtual RealityComputers can model locations so that people can experience moving through them without being there. These places could be inaccessible or imaginary.

Modelling Software

Often created for a specific purpose.

A formula one racing team will employ programmers to write software which can predict a cars performance under different conditions.

The engineers still need to do real testing and wind tunnel experiments to check that their model is not lacking in any way.