Continuous System Simulation

A computer-oriented text introduces numerical methods and algorithms along with the applications and conceptual tools. It includes homework problems, suggestions for research projects, and open-ended questions at the end of each chapter. Continuous System Simulation describes systematically and methodically how mathematical models of dynamic systems, usually described by sets of either ordinary or partial differential equations possibly coupled with algebraic equations, can be simulated on a digital computer. Modern modeling and simulation environments relieve the occasional user from having to understand how simulation really works. Once a mathematical model of a process has been formulated, the modeling and simulation environment compiles and simulates the model, and curves of result trajectories appear magically on the user’s screen. Yet, magic has a tendency to fail, and it is then that the user must understand what went wrong, and why the model could not be simulated as expected. Continuous System Simulation is written by engineers for engineers, introducing the partly symbolical and partly numerical algorithms that drive the process of simulation in terms that are familiar to simulation practitioners with an engineering background, and yet, the text is rigorous in its approach and comprehensive in its coverage, providing the reader with a thorough and detailed understanding of the mechanisms that govern the simulation of dynamical systems. Continuous System Simulation is a highly software-oriented text, based on MATLAB. Homework problems, suggestions for term project, and open research questions conclude every chapter to deepen the understanding of the student and increase his or her motivation. Continuous System Simulation is the first text of its kind that has been written for an engineering audience primarily. Yet due to the depth and breadth of its coverage, the book will also be highly useful for readers with a mathematics background. The book has been designed to accompany senior and graduate students enrolled in a simulation class, but it may also serve as a reference and self-study guide for modeling andsimulation practitioners. Continuous System Simulation describes systematically and methodically how mathematical models of dynamic systems, usually described by sets of either ordinary or partial differential equations possibly coupled with algebraic equations, can be simulated on a digital computer. Modern modeling and simulation environments relieve the occasional user from having to understand how simulation really works. Once a mathematical model of a process has been formulated, the modeling and simulation environment compiles and simulates the model, and curves of result trajectories appear magically on the user’s screen. Yet, magic has a tendency to fail, and it is then that the user must understand what went wrong, and why the model could not be simulated as expected. Continuous System Simulation is written by engineers for engineers, introducing the partly symbolical and partly numerical algorithms that drive the process of simulation in terms that are familiar to simulation practitioners with an engineering background, and yet, the text is rigorous in its approach and comprehensive in its coverage, providing the reader with a thorough and detailed understanding of the mechanisms that govern the simulation of dynamical systems. Continuous System Simulation is a highly software-oriented text, based on MATLAB. Homework problems, suggestions for term project, and open research questions conclude every chapter to deepen the understanding of the student and increase his or her motivation. Continuous System Simulation is the first text of its kind that has been written for an engineering audience primarily. Yet due to the depth and breadth of its coverage, the book will also be highly useful for readers with a mathematics background. The book has been designed to accompany senior and graduate students enrolled in a simulation class, but it may also serve as a reference and self-study guide for modeling andsimulation practitioners.

obtained by simulation more quickly, effec­ Computer simulation of dynamic systems is a topic which is growing steadily in importance tively and cheaply than by experimentation and testing of the real system. obtained by simulation more quickly, effec­ Computer simulation of dynamic systems is a topic which is growing steadily in importance tively and cheaply than by experimentation and testing of the real system. System perfor­ in the physical sciences, engineering, biology and medicine. The reasons for this trend mance can also be investigated using simula­ relate not only to the steadily increasing tion for a much wider range of conditions than can be contemplated for the real system power of computers and the rapidly falling costs of hardware, but also to the availability because of operating constraints or safety of appropriate software tools in the form of requirements. Similar factors can apply in simulation languages. Problem-oriented lan­ other fields, such as biomedical systems guages of this kind assist those who are not engineering. specialists in computational methods to trans­ System simulation, using digital computers, can relate either to models based on continu­ late a mathematical description into a simula­ tion program in a simple and straightforward ous variables or to discrete-event descriptions. fashion. They can also provide useful diag­ Continuous system simulation techniques are applied to systems described by sets of differ­ nostic information when difficulties are encountered. Therefore, a simulation lan­ ential equations and algebraic equations.