SCS Education

Discrete M&S uses a model built in terms of logic where the simulation time is represented as a discrete variable. Discrete M&S is typically used in disciplines such as computer science, systems engineering, industrial engineering, operations research, business, civil engineering, and management science. This type of M&S is commonly referred to as Discrete Event Simulation.

Continuous M&S uses a model consisting of differential equations where the simulation time is represented as a continuous variable. Continuous M&S is typically used in disciplines such as aerospace engineering, computational fluid dynamics, computational solid mechanics, computational engineering, computational physics, materials science and engineering, and heat transfer.

Monte Carlo M&S uses a model built based on statistical random sampling. The model typically does not represent time-varying relationships. Monte Carlo M&S is commonly used in disciplines such as Chemistry, Computational Engineering, Financial Probabilistic Modeling, Mathematics, Nuclear Engineering, (Computational, Nuclear, Statistical) Physics, and Reliability Engineering.

System Dynamics M&S uses a model representing cause-and-effect relationships in terms of causal-loop diagrams, flow diagrams with levels, rates and equations. The equations are used for simulating system behavior. System Dynamics M&S is typically used in disciplines such as Business, Decision Sciences, Economics, Management, Organizational Sciences, Policy Studies, Social Sciences, and System Sciences.

Gaming-based M&S uses humans as part of its model. It is typically used for training. For example: Management Games are performed to train managers for a business; War Gaming is performed to train military commanders; Video Games are simulations intended for entertainment, educational or training purposes. Gaming-based M&S is typically used in disciplines such as Business, Education, Management, and Training.

Agent-based M&S uses a model representing agents and their interactions. An "agent" is intelligent, adaptive, autonomous, goal/self-directed entity that has the ability to learn, and can change its behaviors based on experience. Agent-based M&S draws characteristics from AI-based M&S and object-oriented M&S.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) based M&S uses a model intended to represent human intelligence or knowledge. An AI-based simulation model typically mimics human intelligence such as reasoning, learning, perception, planning, language comprehension, problem-solving, and decision making. Rule-based knowledge representation is commonly used for building AI-based simulation models. An Expert System is an example of an AI-based simulation of some set of knowledge, typically constructed using rule-based knowledge representation.

Virtual Reality based M&S uses modeling and simulation to enable a person to interact with a three-dimensional visual representation of a real or imaginary entity or system in an immersive, multi-sensory, and interactive manner. The user wears goggles, headsets, gloves, or body suits to interact with the simulation. Motion sensors pick up the user’s movements and adjust his or her view and action accordingly usually in real-time. Virtual Reality based M&S is typically used in disciplines such as Architecture, Computer-aided Design and Manufacturing, Education, Entertainment (Movies, Video Games), Human-Computer Interaction, Medical Science, Real Estate, and Training.