Computer Modeling

computer simulation

A computer simulation or a computer model is a computer program that attempts to simulate an abstract model of a particular system.

Computer simulations have become a useful part of mathematical modelling of many natural systems in physics, chemistry and biology, human systems in economics, psychology, and social science and in the process of engineering new technology, to gain insight into the operation of those systems.

Traditionally, the formal modeling of systems has been via a mathematical model, which attempts to find analytical solutions to problems which enables the prediction of the behaviour of the system from a set of parameters and initial conditions.

Computer simulations build on, and are a useful adjunct to purely mathematical models in science, technology and entertainment.

The reliability and the trust people put in computer simulations depends on the validity of the simulation model..

Mathematical model

A mathematical model is an abstract model that uses mathematical language to describe the behaviour of a system.

Mathematical models are used particularly in the natural sciences and engineering disciplines (such as physics, biology, and electrical engineering) but also in the social sciences (such as economics, sociology and political science); physicists, engineers, computer scientists, and economists use mathematical models most extensively.

defined a mathematical model as 'a representation of the essential aspects of an existing system (or a system to be constructed) which presents knowledge of that system in usable form'.

Mathematical models can take many forms, including but not limited to dynamical systems, statistical models, differential equations, or game theoretic models.

These and other types of models can overlap, with a given model involving a variety of abstract structures.

There are six basic groups of variables: decision variables, input variables, state variables, exogenous variables, random variables, and output variables.

Since there can be many variables of each type, the variables are generally represented by vectors.

Mathematical modelling problems are often classified into black box or white box models, according to how much a priori information is available of the system.

A black-box model is a system of which there is no a priori information available.

A white-box model (also called glass box or clear box) is a system where all necessary information is available.

Practically all systems are somewhere between the black-box and white-box models, so this concept only works as an intuitive guide for approach.

Usually it is preferable to use as much a priori info

3D computer graphics

3D computer graphics (in contrast to 2D computer graphics) are graphics that utilize a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images.

Such images may be for later display or for real-time viewing.

Despite these differences, 3D computer graphics rely on many of the same algorithms as 2D computer vector graphics in the wire frame model and 2D computer raster graphics in the final rendered display.

In computer graphics software, the distinction between 2D and 3D is occasionally blurred; 2D applications may use 3D techniques to achieve effects such as lighting, and primarily 3D may use 2D rendering techniques.

3D computer graphics are often referred to as 3D models.

Apart from the rendered graphic, the model is contained within the graphical data file.

However, there are differences.

A 3D model is the mathematical representation of any three-dimensional object (either inanimate or living).

A model is not technically a graphic until it is visually displayed.

Due to 3D printing, 3D models are not confined to virtual space.

A model can be displayed visually as a two-dimensional image through a process called 3D rendering, or used in non-graphical computer simulations and calculations..