This document discusses computer simulation and modeling. It describes the process of developing models that reflect real systems and conducting experiments on those models. The document then provides examples of simulations including a tokamak reactor, satellite tobacco mosaic virus, airplane aerodynamics, and osmosis. It outlines the steps to develop a simulation and discusses using historical data to validate models. The document concludes by listing applications of simulation in fields like weather, engineering, chemistry, biology, physics and the future of virtual reality simulations.

1. A l a n Z h a n g a n d K e v a n H o l l e b a c h è
Computer Simulation and
Modelling
Simulation of a tokomak reactor (Device that uses magnetic fields to confine plasma into a donut shape)

2. Description
• Process of designing model that reflects real
system Formula 1 aerodynamics
• Conducting experiments on models for
understanding behaviour of real world
• First large-scale use was to model nuclear
detonation during WWII
Model of a satellite tobacco mosaic virus that involves a massive amount of computing time

3. Process
Aerodynamics of an airplane propellor
Osmosis
1. Define problem or experiment
2. Collect data to determine probability distributions
3. Develop and test model
4.Validate that model functions by using historical data
5. Run simulation under set conditions
6. Record and implement results Aerodynamics of a frisbee

4. Other Info
Input data can vary from
A few numbers (eg. simulation of waveform of electricity on wires
to
a few terabytes of information (weather modelling) Difficulties
sensitivity and accuracy:
with so much potential calculations, input
data must be precise
Advantages:
-Gives estimate of system performance
-Allows activity to be studied in accelerated time
Heat transfer in a pump -Can study multiple aspects at a specific time
-Run scenarios under controlled conditions

5. Applications
Weather simulation
• Economics
• stock markets,
• economic stability
Airflow around a falling parachute and a hovering jet
• business management • Chemistry
• Engineering • chemical reactions
• oil reservoirs • interaction of particles • Physics
• traffic simulation • Biology • noise barriers
• weather forcasting • ecosystem balance • fluid dynamics
• vehicle safety • genetic mutations • quantum mechanics

6. The Future

7. Virtual Reality
• Computer simulation that simulates aspects of the real world
• As processing power increases, so does authenticity of virtual realities
• Computer visuals have pixels, virtual realities have limited quality
compared to real world
• Physicists have recently found that the world is made of finite matter
little particles that they even call pixels
• Means the universe can be very accurately simulated

8. You’re Living in a Computer
Simulation
• Ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi noticed that his dreams of
being something other than human were indistinguishable from
his experiences being himself
• Nick Bostrom had an idea that we are living in a computer • Theoretically, it is possible to suspend one’s brain in “life”-
sustaining liquids and connect its neurons by wires to a computer.
simulation assuming that:
• A society like ours can eventually have the capability of • Wires provide electrical impulses identical to those the brain
normally receives
creating a computer simulation indistinguishable from reality
• Such a society would repeat the process • Since all interactions would be the same as in a skull, no way of
telling if brain is in vat or skull
• After time, societies within the simulations will eventually be
able to create their own simulationsOdds are we are in a
simulation

9. Time Travel
• Possible theory to time travel
• Prof. Frank Tipler proposes using computer simulation, as physics doesn’t allow for easy time travel
• Since processing power of computers increase exponentially, in the future we may have infinite/near
infinite processing power
• Using this, we can create simulations that simulate our own progress
• With Virtual Reality, we can experience the simulation
• Because simulations can be accelerated or slowed, we can “travel” to either the future or the past

10. The Meaning of Life ?? Possible Simulation Theory http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=PbUcZ5MyabM

11. Bibliography
http://www.neurovr.org/neurovr2/images/Discovery/vr4.jpg
mputational_fluid_dynamics_cfd.html
http://www.leighaerosystems.com/co
http://geeked.gsfc.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/geos_katrina_608.jpg
http://www.slideshare.net/bjwilson1/simulation-powerpoint
http://www.pdn.cam.ac.uk/groups/comp-cell/StochSim.html
http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/c/computer_simulation.htm
www2.mccombs.utexas.edu/faculty/.../PowerPointLectures/Simulation
http://aerodynamics8np2.pbworks.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbUcZ5MyabM
http://io9.com/5799396/youre-living-in-a-computer-simulation-and-math-proves-it
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_reality
http://wall.alphacoders.com/
http://www.ansys.com/Industries/Industrial+Equipment+&+Rotating+Machinery/Aircraft+Engines
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8b/Typhoon_Mawar_2005_computer_simulation_thumbnail.gif
http://www.sciencephoto.com/image/342767/530wm/T1800065-Computer_simulation_of_interior_of_tokamak_reactor-SPL.jpg