Modelling (chapter 9)

Question 1

Characteristics of modelling software

Answer 1

• Must let variables be changed easily
• Must have formulas and equations
• Must let the user define rules for the model
• Automatic recalculation should be done when changed
• Graphs and charts should be available to present trends

Question 2

Need for computer models (6)

Answer 2

• Cost
• Testing
• Prediction
• Time
• Planning
• Safety

Question 3

Uses of computer models (7)

Answer 3

• Financial forecasting
• Population growth
• Weather systems
• Climate change
• Queue management*
• Traffic flow
• Construction

Question 4

Uses of computer models in financial forecasting

Answer 4

Companies
- different strategies can be predicted
- graphs to project results and make comparisons
- Compare profits of products
- Take economic climates into account

Government
- Used to predict a nations economy
- Different tax rates can be tested

Question 5

Uses of computer models in population growth

Answer 5

• Population models try to predict the population of organisms by assuming it reproduces on set rules
• Different variables can be changed (eg food, water, death rates)
• Helps understand how population changes over time
• Can be used to model spread of disease

Question 6

Uses of computer models in weather systems

Answer 6

• Observations from weather stations are fed into models that combine it and produce 3d models of weather
• Supercomputers are used as each model includes numerous mathematical equations to produce forecasts
• Atmospheric models can be used to compare current conditions with previous ones

Question 7

Uses of computer models in climate change

Answer 7

• Climate data from previous years are input into a computer model
• A collection of equations is used to represent parts of the climate
• Variables can be changed to see different scenarios and trends
• Tested by comparing a prediction of previous years
• Hard to create a model as many assumptions have to be made, which leads to a decrease in accuracy of the models

Question 8

Uses of computer models in queue management

Answer 8

• Businesses lose money if customers are dissatisfied when they are made to wait too long
• A model of a queue is made using complex mathematical formulas
• Sensors can count ppl and send data back to the model, allowing it to make predictions

Question 9

Uses of computer models in traffic flow

Answer 9

• a road network should flor smoothly with little/no holdups
• sensors can count traffic flow mostly at peak hours and identify places with congestions
• different traffic models are developed that use complex algorithms — they can forecast traffic by taking account of the data from sensors
• traffic flow, density, etc. can be modelled

Question 10

Uses of computer models in construction

Answer 10

• used by architects and engineers to create precise drawings and illustrations
• 3d views and different angles can be produced
• end designs can be produced using 3d printers and blueprints using plotters

Question 11

CAD software

Answer 11

CAD (computer aided design) is used to design structures. common software is autoCAD or others

Question 12

Pros of CAD

Answer 12

PROS
- Faster than traditional drawing
- easier to make changes & fix errors
- accurate
- Files can easily be saved and reused

Question 13

Computer Simulations

Answer 13

A simulation is when a computer is used to reproduce a scenario that happens in the real world
It is created using a mathematical model.

Question 14

Advantages of computer simulations

Answer 14

advantages
- do not have to worry about cost of repairing (eg cars)
- simulations provide a safe environment to train in
- Can see how a system works before it is created so that few mistakes are present
- Extreme weather conditions / other scenarios can be recreated

Question 15

Cons of CAD

Answer 15

CONS
- files can be lost if the computer breaks down
- CAD software is expensive
- Workers need to be trained to use CAD
- Software needs to be regularly updated

Question 16

disadvantages of computer simulations

Answer 16

disadvantages
- expensive to buy and maintain
- need to train personnel on using systems
- may not cover all scenarios
- formula and functions may be inaccurate
- may give trainees (eg pilots / drivers) false sense of confidence

Question 17

Simulation scenarios (4)

Answer 17

• Learning how to drive
• Pilot training
• disaster planning
• nuclear science research

Question 18

Pilot training simulations

Answer 18

• Aircrafts are expensive to build and crashing in real life is dangerous to both community and pilot
• simulations can help pilots get used to flying
• Has to recreate sense of flying and must be lifelike

Question 19

Learning to drive a car simulation

Answer 19

• replicating driving experiences of a car
• safer for drivers to learn without damaging something / putting themselves in danger
• can be used to monitor behaviour, reaction time, performance and attention span of the driver.

Question 20

Disaster planning simulations

Answer 20

• Simulations are carried out to plan for natural disasters
• town planners build structures to withstand disasters
• Emergency services can also coordinate efficient responses
• anticipate likelihoods and severity of natural disasters
• mathematicians have made equations for each disaster, these equations can be input into models and simulated

Question 21

Nuclear science research simulations

Answer 21

• operators of nuclear reactors can be trained using simulators
• computer simulations can run each scenario and prepare personnel and safety measures for future reactors
• rearranging control rods and flow of coolant can be costly and pose safety risks so simulations are done by research scientists using supercomputers