Computer simulation is the process of Mathematical modelling, performed on a computer, which is designed to predict the behaviour of, or the outcome of, a real-world or physical system.
This model is composed of equations that duplicate the functional relationships within the real system. When the programme is run, the resulting Mathematical dynamics form an analog of the behaviour of the real system, with the results presented in the form of data.
Computer simulations are used to study the dynamic behaviour of objects or systems in response to conditions that cannot be easily or safely applied in real life.
The simpler simulations performed by personal computers consist mainly of business models and geometric models. The former includes spreadsheet, financial, and statistical software programmes that are used in business analysis and planning.
More advanced simulations, such as those that emulate weather patterns or the behaviour of macroeconomic systems, are usually performed on powerful workstations or supercomputers. In engineering, computer models of newly designed structures undergo simulated tests to determine their responses to stress and other physical variables.
For example, simulations help car manufacturers to virtually crash test their new lines of vehicles. Instead of physically crashing dozens of new cars, researchers run simulations to see all possible scenarios that could occur to both the vehicle and passengers in a multitude of accidents. These simulations determine if the car is safe enough to drive.
The idea is that computer simulations allow researchers to replicate possible real-world events — ranging from the spread of infectious diseases to impending hurricanes — so we can save time and money planning for the future.
Computer simulation is a step-by-step process in which a computer simulation programme is modeled after a real-world system In order to replicate the system and possible outcomes, the simulation uses mathematical equations to create an algorithm that defines the system’s state, or the combination of different possible variables.
Once the simulation is complete, the sequence of variables are saved as large datasets, which can then be translated into a visualisation.
Along with nuclear physics, meteorology was one of the first disciplines to make use of computer simulation after World War II.