Download Advantages of Modelling

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.
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Advantages of Modelling
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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
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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
Games
Science Experiments
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.
Most computer games are
models. Anyone can have
some of the fun driving a
formula One car!
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
Economic Models
Virtual Reality
Weather forecasts are
becoming more accurate
because more data is
collected via satellite and
observation. Super
computers are used to
make the complex
calculations
These are used by the
Treasury to predict the
effects of tax changes on
the British Economy.
Computers can model
locations so that people can
experience moving through
them without being there.
These places could be
inaccessible or imaginary.
Modelling Software
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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.