what is a simulation tool, and what is its purpose? what are its strengths and weaknesses? anybody?

Question

i play simulation games and all, but i was wondering what a simulation tool was and what the connection was btw the tool and the game. if you have any links to an article that describes the tool, it'll be great too. thnx, hons.

Answer 1

The game is merely one type of simulation. Simulation tools exist for modeling proteins, chemicals, electronic circuits, airflow, bridges, and probably anything else that can be modeled.

Not all simulation tools have graphical representations of the things they are modelling. Some merely output numbers, such as total stress, voltage, frequency or current levels and the like.

The major limitation of simulation software is in knowing ALL of the parameters that might affect a particular outcome. That's why aircraft companies always build models in conjunction with computer simulations; designers build models of bridges,etc.

The better the variables are known, the more likely the simulation will accurately represent the real-life situations.

Edit: I forgot to mention the connection between simulation tools and games: Simulation games, such as flight simulators and the like actually model the aircraft they are trying to represent in the same way as real flight simulators, modeling the forces on the aircraft, such as thrust, drag, lift, gravity and the aerodynamics of the aircraft. This is part of what adds realism to the games.

Answer 2

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