
1
Mathematical Modeling
1.1 INTRODUCTION
1.1.1 I
MPORTANCE OF MODELS
Models are an essential component of simulation. Before a new prototype design for an automobile
braking system or a multimillion dollar aircraft is tested in the field, it is commonplace to ‘‘test
drive’’ the separate components and the overall system in a simulated environment based on some
form of model. A meteorologist predicts the expected path of a tropical storm using weather models
that incorporate the relevant climatic variables and their effect on the storm ’s trajectory. An
economist issues a quantitative forecast of the U.S. economy predicated based on key economic
variables ...