Chapter 1
Modeling Systems
1.1 Basic Modeling Concepts
The decisive role in scientific research is played by a full-scale experiment and
observation of physical objects. However, in certain cases, a full-scale experiment
may be difficult or economically impractical. An alternative to a full-scale experiment
can be a model experiment or a modeling process. The purpose of the simulation
is to predict with practical accuracy the properties and behavior of the studied real
objects by replacing them with simpler model analogs. Thus, modeling, as a more
accessible and at the same time effective tool, allows using the constructed model
to investigate the characteristics of a complex real object and in some cases even to
detect previously unknown effects.
A model can be a physical or abstract analog, which can reproduce the properties
of a real object of research with a certain degree of accuracy. At the same time, it
should be noted that the adequacy of the results of the modeling process to real results
can be finally confirmed by a full-scale experiment.
Simulation can be used not only for research purposes related to predicting the
characteristics of an object depending on the given conditions and modes of its
operation (which, unlike the case of a full-scale experiment, can be easily changed),
but also for learning to work with any complex systems or objects.
In the latter case, the model plays the role of simulating the functioning of a
real object. An example is simulation systems (simulators) that allow controlling the
motion of a vessel using a virtual dashboard. It is obvious that the use of a simulator
for training personnel to work in real conditions is advisable, since it allows one to
simulate critical situations, the appearance of which during the operation of a real
vessel is unacceptable.
The above suggests that modeling technologies have certain advantages compared
with direct experimental studies of real objects or processes. They can be effective
tools for exploring the world. However, it should be understood that the modeling
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020
K. Rozhdestvensky et al., Computer Modeling and Simulation
of Dynamic Systems Using Wolfram SystemModeler,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-2803-3_1
1
Modeling Systems
1.1 Basic Modeling Concepts
The decisive role in scientific research is played by a full-scale experiment and
observation of physical objects. However, in certain cases, a full-scale experiment
may be difficult or economically impractical. An alternative to a full-scale experiment
can be a model experiment or a modeling process. The purpose of the simulation
is to predict with practical accuracy the properties and behavior of the studied real
objects by replacing them with simpler model analogs. Thus, modeling, as a more
accessible and at the same time effective tool, allows using the constructed model
to investigate the characteristics of a complex real object and in some cases even to
detect previously unknown effects.
A model can be a physical or abstract analog, which can reproduce the properties
of a real object of research with a certain degree of accuracy. At the same time, it
should be noted that the adequacy of the results of the modeling process to real results
can be finally confirmed by a full-scale experiment.
Simulation can be used not only for research purposes related to predicting the
characteristics of an object depending on the given conditions and modes of its
operation (which, unlike the case of a full-scale experiment, can be easily changed),
but also for learning to work with any complex systems or objects.
In the latter case, the model plays the role of simulating the functioning of a
real object. An example is simulation systems (simulators) that allow controlling the
motion of a vessel using a virtual dashboard. It is obvious that the use of a simulator
for training personnel to work in real conditions is advisable, since it allows one to
simulate critical situations, the appearance of which during the operation of a real
vessel is unacceptable.
The above suggests that modeling technologies have certain advantages compared
with direct experimental studies of real objects or processes. They can be effective
tools for exploring the world. However, it should be understood that the modeling
© Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020
K. Rozhdestvensky et al., Computer Modeling and Simulation
of Dynamic Systems Using Wolfram SystemModeler,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-2803-3_1
1