A team of scientists needs to understand the impact of a nuclear explosion on a concrete bunker. Another team of engineers is trying to design an airplane that can withstand high wind shear while flying. It is not always possible to carry out direct experimentation or trial to test many real-life situations. Herein, lies the need for developing a modelling system that can incorporate all variables and data to produce a result that can help study the phenomenon at hand. This modelling system is what we call computer simulations. They were first designed as a tool to study the metrological phenomenon and nuclear physics. The list has steadily grown to incorporate many other areas of modern society like medical sciences, construction, economics, astrophysics etc.
A computer simulation is a computer programme or a model that tries to recreate a model of a particular system in a virtual world. For example, if you want to see the impact of a comet striking Earth, you do not want to wait for a real event, but you also do not want to be caught napping before such an event actually occurs. So, what you do is create a virtual system which resembles a real-world system with objects similar to Earth and the comet, along with parameters like speed, atmosphere, mass etc., as close to reality as possible. This may seem like some grandiose plan of science fiction, but even medical science benefits by using simulations to see the impact of new medicines, thereby helping to cut down risks associated with clinical trials. Architects use the same modelling approach before designing a new bridge or a skyscraper.
There are different types of simulation models. First is the discrete model in which the changes to the system occur at specifc times. Second is the continuous model in which the state of the system changes continuously over time. Third is the mixed model in which both discrete and continuous elements are contained. The type of data needed to build a computer simulation includes the overall process flow, what is being produced or acted on (entities), frequencies at which the entities arrive in the programme, the length of time individual steps in the process take, a probability distribution that characterise real-life uncertainties and variations in the process.
Computer simulations are also helpful in analysing “what if” scenarios. The advantages of computer simulations include gaining a greater understanding of the process; identifying any potential obstructions or flaws; being able to effectively evaluate processes that have changing variables and even help mitigate possible problems. Computer simulations have indeed provided an enormous impetus to how we do our research and planning.
1. What is the primary purpose of this passage?(A) Refute the importance of computer simulation.
(B) Discuss simulation, their uses and advantages.
(C) Outline the developmental history of simulations.
(D) Debate the pros and cons of computer simulation.
(E) Describe one particular application of the simulation.
2. Based on the passage, which of the following best describes the author’s tone when writing about computer simulations?(A) Wry humour
(B) Bitter sarcasm
(C) Open optimism
(D) Veiled cynicism
(E) Forthright scepticism
3. The author mentions all of the following EXCEPT:(A) simulations have reduced the need for direct experimentation.
(B) simulations are able to account for changing variables in a system.
(C) simulations have a limited capacity to evaluate hypothetical scenarios.
(D) studying the effects of a new drug being developed can be aided by simulations.
(E) the amount of traffic a new bridge in the city can handle can be gauged with simulations.
4. Based on the given information, what can be inferred about the author’s opinion of the use of computer simulations in medicine?(A) The author is sceptical.
(B) The author is circumspect.
(C) The author remains neutral.
(D) The author supports its use.
(E) The author is against its use.