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Lawani Elyon John
Lawani Elyon John

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Models and Simulations

What's a model?

Model image

A model is described as a special type of algorithm. In software an algorithm is a hard-coded set of instructions to calculate a deterministic answer.
Models are algorithms whose instructions are induced from a set of data and are then used to make predictions, recommendations, or prescribe an action that is based on probabilistic assessment. The models uses algorithms to identify patterns in the data that form a relationship with an output.

Why models

Models can predict things before they happen more accurately than human beings, such as catastrophic weather events or who is at risk of imminent death in a hospital.
Models can build each on other. One model's output can act as the input to another, more complex model and then creates a living connected, trainable army of decision makers.

What is a simulation?

A simulation is a process that represents the real-world system and is often utilized when conducting an experiment on systems that is impossible or not viable.
Simulation lets you simulate or mimic the behavior of a system to analyze different outcomes

Why simulation

Simulations

Simulations are necessary in order to figure out a how to change a system before putting a large quantity of time and money into it.
Business over the years have been using simulations to test various scenarios to make business decisions with more confidence e.g.: Optimizing resource utilization, product pricing.

Modeling vs Simulation

Modelling and simulation are very similar in many ways but have a distinct quality that makes them different. Altough they are both systems that work to save time and money for scientists, engineers, and anyone else in the field of training, analyzing, etc, modeling can be described as a static process and simulation is described as dynamic. Due to the fact that the variables will change in a simulation, it sets itself apart from modeling in that way.

The Burj Al Arab

Burj Al arab

The Burj Al Arab which is one of the most iconic buildings in the world is a perfect example of how modelling and simulation work together.

Modelling in the Burj Al Arab

During the design phase of the Burj Al Arab, models were created to calculate the building's areodynamics properties, structural integrity, and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as high-speed winds and potential earthquakes. These models used algorithms to analyze thousands of data points, providing architects and engineers that had critical insights.

These models allowed engineers to iterate on the design without building costly physical prototypes.

Simulation in the Burj Al arab

Simulations were conducted to test how the building would respond to real-world scenarios, such as extreme weather events.
Engineers were able to stimulate scenarios using advanced software:

  1. Simulating high-speed winds pushing against the unique sail-shaped facade.

  2. Stimulating the effects of shifting foundations due to the artifical island the building rests on.

  3. Stimulating the process of evacuation processes during emergancies, ensuring the safety for all occupants

By using these techniques, engineers could anticipate challenges and make informed decisions, saving time, resources, and costs.

AGILE Method and it's principles

Agile method

Agile Software development includes testing as a fundemental component, it is the continous process that occurs in tandem with the development phase and serves as a feedback loop for the team.

Agile development teams increasingly include testers. Every member of an agile team is expected to participate in testing instead of having specialised β€œtesters” or β€œQA engineers.”

In some organizations, test experts exist, but they report directly to developers and participate in their daily work.

# Conclusion
Modeling and simulation are indispensable tools in today's technological and business landscape. The synergy between these tools, as demonstrated in the iconic Burj Al Arab, showcases their potential to drive innovation and solve complex problems. Similarly, adopting principles like those in Agile development further enhances the effectiveness of teams, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptability. Embracing these practices is key to building efficient, resilient, and forward-thinking systems.

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