What Every Engineer Should Know About Modeling and Simulation

The book covers applying modeling and simulation to engineering problems, modeling purposes, scoping a model, levels of modeling abstraction, benefits and cost of including randomness, types of simulation, and statistical techniques. No prior experience is needed. It shows how to conduct a M/S project and how to work with simulation experts.

Dr. Raymond Madachy is an Associate Professor in the Systems Engineering Department at the Naval Postgraduate School. Previously he was a Research Assistant Professor in the Industrial and Systems Department at the University of Southern California and a Principal in the USC Center for Systems and Software Engineering. He has 25 years of experience working in industry, academia and consulting in technical and management positions. His research interests include modeling and simulation of processes for architecting and engineering of complex systems; system cost modeling; systems and software measurement; process improvement and quality; integrating systems engineering and software engineering disciplines, and empirical-based research with process simulation. He has over 90 publications including the book Software Process Dynamics. Dr. Dan Houston is a Sr. Project Leader at The Aerospace Corporation in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. His work is applying quantitative methods, particularly using statistics and simulation, to software engineering. His industrial background includes software development, Six Sigma Black Belt, and software measurement. He received M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Industrial Engineering at Arizona State University. His publications include work on statistical modeling and simulation of software development processes, software process improvement, and the management of software projects, particularly the aspects of risk, product quality, and economics.

Introduction. Modeling and Simulation Method. Types of Simulation. Randomness in Models. Simulation Input Analysis. Simulation Runs and Output Analysis. Engineering Case Studies and Examples. Appendix A: Simulation Tools.