Gr 8 Computer Modelling and Simulation

A computer model is a representation of a real-world process. A model is created through

mathematical analysis of the real-world process.
A simulation is the use of a computerised model to predict how a real-life system might
behave. Details in a computer model can be easily changed to see what effects they
would have.
This is often cheaper and safer.

Spreadsheets can be used to create computerized models

Computer Aided Design (CAD) enables designers to produce a model of a physical
object. This could include a kitchen, a building, a motor vehicle or an aeroplane.
CAD software can include features such as viewing an object in two dimensions (2D) or
three dimensions
(3D), manipulating objects within the model, adding or removing objects, viewing the
model from different
angles, applying different effects such as colour and lighting, and focusing on specific
features such as the electrical cabling or heating system within a building.

Modelling software will include some essential features:

• the ability to change variables within the software
• asking what-if questions to see what the result of changing variables might be
• formulas and functions to carry out the mathematical calculations that form the basis of
the model
• automatic recalculation of formulas and functions
• rules that define how the model behaves
• layers of abstraction so that different parts of the model can be viewed and analysed
separately.

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Gr 8 Computer Modelling and Simulation

The need for computer models

Models are used for training because there is less risk of injury to the trainees and
instructors than learning in a real environment.
One of the most
common models for this purpose is weather forecasting.
Patterns that have happened in the past can be analysed along with current data to predict
what the weather might be in the future. Businesses and governments use financial
modelling to predict what might happen to profits or the economy.
A variety of what-if questions can be
asked using a model to determine how to make the most profit. Variables that could be
changed include selling prices, adjusting the quantity of products to supply at any given
time, times of year to sell products and the effect of weather on seasonal sales.

Constructing buildings, kitchens, gardens, motor vehicles and other objects can be a very
costly process. Models help to experiment with different
designs to see which look is most aesthetically pleasing and which ones react best to
environmental conditions.

When designing a kitchen using modelling software, variables such as lighting, worktops,
cupboard doors, position of units, flooring and tiling can be changed to see which
configuration looks the best.

Models can be used to predict population growth. It’s important for governments to know
what future
populations will be so they can plan for housing, transport infrastructure and public
services.

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Models can also be used for traffic flow. This can help with planning new roads,
improving existing roads or building new shopping centres or residential areas. Models
will take into account existing traffic
movement and projected changes in the number of vehicles expected along a route.

What-if analysis
What-if analysis is the process of asking the question ‘what would happen if … ?’.
what-if-analysis: experimenting with changing variables to see what would happen to the
output if those variables changed

Some examples of what-if questions in a financial spreadsheet model might include:

• What happens to the total income for the month if we increase the selling price by 20%?
• What happens to our costs if we use a different supplier for one of our parts?
• What happens to our total expenditure for the next five years if we move to new
premises?
Part of what-if analysis includes the use of goal seek.
It is possible to set a goal and find out what needs to be done to achieve that goal.
Some examples of goal-seek
questions might include:
• What price do we need to sell at in order to sell 5000 items per month?
• How many items do we need to sell to break even (zero profit and zero loss)?

goal seek: seeing what a variable needs to change to for a goal in terms of output to be
achieved

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Test a spreadsheet model

When testing a spreadsheet model, it is important to test all aspects of the model. This
could include:
• formulas and functions
• validation rules
• conditional formatting
• graphs and charts
• cell and worksheet protection

A test plan needs to be created to test all these aspects of the spreadsheet model. It needs
to include clearly identified input values and the expected output values.

Simulations
Advantages and disadvantages of using a model to create and run simulations
A simulation is the use of a computerised model to predict how a real-life system might
behave. As with modelling, simulations can be used for training, forecasting and
construction.
Advantages include:
• expensive prototypes or the real thing do not need to be created in order to experiment
with different variations and answer what-if questions
• changes to the model can be made very quickly and the effect can be seen just as
quickly
• alternative models and designs can be used to see how they react differently
• unusual events (for example, earthquakes) can be tested without the need to wait for
them to happen in real life

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Gr 8 Computer Modelling and Simulation

• equipment does not suffer from wear and tear or damage when being tested or
experimented with • dangerous situations such as aeroplane equipment failure can be
simulated without putting
people in danger
• simulations can be ‘sped up’ so that effects can be analysed over a long period of time
without having to wait for that period of time to elapse.
Disadvantages include:
• the way a simulation reacts is only as good as the model it is based upon
• simulation software and equipment can be very expensive to purchase
• people need to be trained to use simulation equipment and software
• complex models take many years to develop, especially if they are designed to react like
the
real process
• it is impossible for a simulation to be a perfect representation of the real-world process.

The use of simulation

Natural disaster planning

When planning for natural disasters, people need to know what the effects of a natural
disaster might be.

Pilot training

The software will include the rules of the model that define how the aircraft should react
in a
variety of circumstances.

Pilots can also practise landing and taking off at airports they have not visited before

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Gr 8 Computer Modelling and Simulation

Car driving

Simulations can enable a learner driver to become familiar with the controls of a car and
dealing with
hazards before taking a car onto the road for the first time.

Simulations can also be used for racing drivers to experiment with different car setups to
find the optimum
configuration for a racing circuit, rather than risking crashing.

Nuclear science research

Even a small
accident could expose a person to radiation that could cause serious disfigurement or
death. It is therefore not possible to experiment with nuclear reactions in the real world in
the hope that something might work.

Notes:

A computer model represents a real-world process created through mathematical

analysis, while a simulation uses the model to predict system behavior. Computer
models can be easily adjusted to explore different scenarios, offering a safer and more
cost-effective alternative to real-world experimentation. Excel spreadsheets are
commonly used to create these models, and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) helps
design physical objects such as kitchens, buildings, vehicles, and airplanes. CAD
software allows 2D and 3D visualizations, object manipulation, and specific feature focus
(e.g., electrical systems).

Key Features of Modeling Software:

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 Ability to change variables

 "What-if" analysis to explore the impact of changing inputs
 Formulas and functions for calculations
 Automatic recalculations
 Rules that define model behavior
 Layers of abstraction for detailed analysis

Applications of Computer Models:

 Training: Models reduce the risk of injury during training (e.g., flight simulators,
car driving).
 Forecasting: Weather forecasts and financial models predict future conditions by
analyzing patterns.
 Design and Construction: Models help experiment with designs for buildings,
vehicles, and more, reducing costs and optimizing aesthetic and environmental
outcomes.
 Population Growth and Traffic Flow: Models predict future population and
traffic patterns, assisting in planning for housing, infrastructure, and services.

What-If Analysis:

What-if analysis involves changing variables to assess the impact on outcomes. In

financial modeling, questions like "What happens if we increase prices by 20%?" help
explore different business scenarios. This often includes Goal Seek, which helps
determine the input value needed to achieve a specific goal, such as finding the required
sales price to meet a profit target.

Testing Spreadsheet Models:

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Testing ensures accuracy in formulas, functions, validation rules, and other aspects of the
model. A comprehensive test plan includes input values, expected outputs, and checks for
all relevant aspects (e.g., conditional formatting, charts, macros).

Simulations:

A simulation uses computer models to predict real-world system behavior. Advantages

include:

 No need for expensive prototypes

 Quick adjustments and immediate results
 Testing of extreme events (e.g., earthquakes)
 Safe experimentation in dangerous scenarios (e.g., aircraft failure simulations)

Disadvantages include the reliance on the quality of the model, the high cost of
simulation software, the need for trained personnel, and the complexity of developing
accurate simulations.

Applications of Simulations:

 Natural Disaster Planning: Simulations help predict the effects of disasters and
plan responses.
 Pilot Training: Simulators provide a safe environment for pilots to practice
maneuvers and procedures.
 Car Driving: Learner drivers can use simulations to familiarize themselves with
controls and hazards.
 Nuclear Research: Simulations allow testing of nuclear reactions without risking
exposure to radiation.

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In summary, computer models and simulations are essential for training, planning, and
design, offering cost-effective, safe alternatives to real-world experimentation while
enabling more efficient decision-making.

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