This unique volume introduces and discusses the methods of validating computer simulations in scientific research. The core concepts, strategies, and techniques of validation are explained by an international team of pre-eminent authorities, drawing on expertise from various fields ranging from engineering and the physical sciences to the social sciences and history. The work also offers new and original philosophical perspectives on the validation of simulations. Topics and features: introduces the fundamental concepts and principles related to the validation of computer simulations, and examines philosophical frameworks for thinking about validation; provides an overview of the various strategies and techniques available for validating simulations, as well as the preparatory steps that have to be taken prior to validation; describes commonly used reference points and mathematical frameworks applicable to simulation validation; reviews the legal prescriptions, and the administrative and procedural activities related to simulation validation; presents examples of best practice that demonstrate how methods of validation are applied in various disciplines and with different types of simulation models; covers important practical challenges faced by simulation scientists when applying validation methods and techniques; offers a selection of general philosophical reflections that explore the significance of validation from a broader perspective. This truly interdisciplinary handbook will appeal to a broad audience, from professional scientists spanning all natural and social sciences, to young scholars new to research with computer simulations. Philosophers of science, and methodologists seeking to increase their understanding of simulation validation, will also find much to benefit from in the text.

This must-read text/reference provides a practical guide to processes involved in the development and application of dynamic simulation models, covering a wide range of issues relating to testing, verification and validation. Illustrative example problems in continuous system simulation are presented throughout the book, supported by extended case studies from a number of interdisciplinary applications. Topics and features: provides an emphasis on practical issues of model quality and validation, along with questions concerning the management of simulation models, the use of model libraries, and generic models; contains numerous step-by-step examples; presents detailed case studies, often with accompanying datasets; includes discussion of hybrid models, which involve a combination of continuous system and discrete-event descriptions; examines experimental modeling approaches that involve system identification and parameter estimation; offers supplementary material at an associated website.

This document defines a number of key terms, discusses fundamental concepts, and specifies general procedures for conducting verification and validation of computational fluid dynamics simulations. It's goal is to provide a foundation for the major issues and concepts in verification and validation. However, it does not recommend standards in these areas because a number of important issues are not yet resolved.

Advances in scientific computing have made modelling and simulation an important part of the decision-making process in engineering, science, and public policy. This book provides a comprehensive and systematic development of the basic concepts, principles, and procedures for verification and validation of models and simulations. The emphasis is placed on models that are described by partial differential and integral equations and the simulations that result from their numerical solution. The methods described can be applied to a wide range of technical fields, from the physical sciences, engineering and technology and industry, through to environmental regulations and safety, product and plant safety, financial investing, and governmental regulations. This book will be genuinely welcomed by researchers, practitioners, and decision makers in a broad range of fields, who seek to improve the credibility and reliability of simulation results. It will also be appropriate either for university courses or for independent study.

This book gives detailed coverage of all the various aspects of modelling and simulation including the concept of systems. The emphasis is on digital computer simulation of discrete systems, although both analogue and digital simulation of continuous and discrete systems are discussed.

Helps you ensure that your simulations are appropriate representations of real-world systems. The book concentrates on the differentiation between the assessment of a simulation tool and the verification and validation of general software products. It is a systematic, procedural, practical guide that you can use to enhance the credibility of your simulation models. In addition, it is a valuable reference book and a road map for software developers and quality assurance experts, or as a text for simulation methodology and software engineering courses. This book details useful assessment procedures and phases, discusses ways to tailor the methodology for specific situations and objectives, and provides numerous assessment aids. The reader can use these aids to support ongoing assessments over the entire life cycle of the model.

Validation of complex computer simulations is considered in the context of the operational test and evaluation of the air launched cruise missile. Published literature on validation is reviewed. Validation is described as a problem-dependent process. The goal of that process is an acceptable level of confidence that the actual and simulated data agree closely enough for an inference about the simulation to be a valid inference about the actual system. The cost of accepting a given level of confidence must be balanced against the cost of obtaining a higher level. Experimental design is seen as the key to obtaining the maximum amount of information from a limited number of test runs and is discussed. The following approach to validity is suggested. Use a screening design to identify the few, most-important variables in the simulation. Use a more complete design to specify parameter/level combinations for simulated and actual data comparison. Finally, explicitly incorporate decision analysis in judging the validity of the model based on that comparison and the use that will be made of the simulation results. A fractional factorial design is used to screen out the important factors from the clutter and multipath sub-model in TAC ZINGER. (Author).

This work began when I was appointed as a Technical Director for Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Verification and Validation (V&V) for a major defense system in 2008. It is intended to provide the nuts and bolts of performing M&S V&V in one volume. It is not intended to provide a holistic approach to M&S V&V, as that can be derived from other sources. As such, this book assumes a basic understanding of V&V, including its place in the lifecycle, its purpose and its scope for ensuring the quality of models and simulations. During the process of developing this text, the Simulation Interoperability Standards Organization (SISO) completed SISO-GUIDE-001.2-2013, Guide for Generic Methodology for Verification and Validation (GM-VV) to Support Acceptance of Models, Simulations, and Data, 2 Volumes, June 2013. The guide does serve the purpose not covered by this book. This text provides procedural details for performing V&V. The procedures are static, dynamic and informal.