Handbook of Real-World Applications in Modeling and Simulation

Chapter One

Research and Analysis for Real-World Applications

Catherine M. Banks

1.1 Introduction and Learning Objectives

Modeling and simulation (M&S) has made a name for itself as a discipline with its own body of knowledge, theory, and research methodology and as a tool for analysis and assessment. Significantly, M&S has attained this broad and meaningful position in a few short decades paralleling the technological advances of mainframe and desktop computers, the ever-expanding internet, and the omnipresent digital communications infrastructure. In 1999, the National Science Foundation (NSF) declared simulation the third branch of science (1). In a 2006 NSF report entitled, Simulation-Based Engineering Science: Revolutionizing Engineering Science through Simulation, a focused discussion ensued on the challenges facing the United States as a technological world leader. The report proffered four recommendations to ensure U.S. maintenance of a leadership role in M&S as a strategically critical technology. Foremost was the call for the NSF to “underwrite an effort to explore the possibility of initiating a sweeping overhaul of our engineering educational system to reflect the multidisciplinary nature of modern engineering and to help students acquire the necessary M&S skills” (2). As noted in the Introduction of this text, a national movement is underway to ensure the role of M&S as a future technology. M&S education is a must for anyone who desires to be a part of that future ...