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 Simulators Used to train pilots, far cheaper than sending them in a real plane. It is also safer than sending them up in a real plane. Games Most computer games are models. Anyone can have some of the fun driving a formula One car! Science Experiments A 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 Forecasting Weather forecasts are becoming more accurate because more data is collected via satellite and observation. Super computers are used to make the complex calculations Economic Models These are used by the Treasury to predict the effects of tax changes on the British Economy. Virtual Reality Computers 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.