Simulation Issues

Experimenting with dynamic system models is one of the standard tasks of systems design, and the results of such simulations provide the basis for far-reaching design decisions. Nowadays, (commercial) computer- aided tools generally provide the platform for modeling and simulation, and pre-existing model libraries are thus often employed. However, as a result, there is often a dangerous gap in understanding between the “computerized” simulation model and the (in the extreme case, naïve) user during this extremely important phase of design. In unfavorable cases, this can easily lead to flawed simulation results. Thus, knowledge of the particularities of

simulation implementations

and solution approaches is an essential area of competence for systems engineers, even and especially when employing modern simulation tools. Only when armed with such knowledge is it at all possible to recognize potential problems and to alleviate them with appropriate measures, whether by modifying the model or by employing a targeted choice and parameterization of available simulator functions: “

using the tool with appreciation and awareness

”.