Monte Carlo simulation has become one of the most important tools in all fields of science. This book surveys the basic techniques and principles of the subject, as well as general techniques useful in more complicated models and in novel settings. The emphasis throughout is on practical methods that work well in current computing environments.

Monte Carlo simulation has become one of the most important tools in all fields of science. Simulation methodology relies on a good source of numbers that appear to be random. These "pseudorandom" numbers must pass statistical tests just as random samples would. Methods for producing pseudorandom numbers and transforming those numbers to simulate samples from various distributions are among the most important topics in statistical computing. This book surveys techniques of random number generation and the use of random numbers in Monte Carlo simulation. The book covers basic principles, as well as newer methods such as parallel random number generation, nonlinear congruential generators, quasi Monte Carlo methods, and Markov chain Monte Carlo. The best methods for generating random variates from the standard distributions are presented, but also general techniques useful in more complicated models and in novel settings are described. The emphasis throughout the book is on practical methods that work well in current computing environments. The book includes exercises and can be used as a test or supplementary text for various courses in modern statistics. It could serve as the primary test for a specialized course in statistical computing, or as a supplementary text for a course in computational statistics and other areas of modern statistics that rely on simulation. The book, which covers recent developments in the field, could also serve as a useful reference for practitioners. Although some familiarity with probability and statistics is assumed, the book is accessible to a broad audience. The second edition is approximately 50% longer than the first edition. It includes advances in methods for parallel random number generation, universal methods for generation of nonuniform variates, perfect sampling, and software for random number generation.

Monte Carlo simulation has become one of the most important tools in all fields of science. Simulation methodology relies on a good source of numbers that appear to be random. These "pseudorandom" numbers must pass statistical tests just as random samples would. Methods for producing pseudorandom numbers and transforming those numbers to simulate samples from various distributions are among the most important topics in statistical computing. This book surveys techniques of random number generation and the use of random numbers in Monte Carlo simulation. The book covers basic principles, as well as newer methods such as parallel random number generation, nonlinear congruential generators, quasi Monte Carlo methods, and Markov chain Monte Carlo. The best methods for generating random variates from the standard distributions are presented, but also general techniques useful in more complicated models and in novel settings are described. The emphasis throughout the book is on practical methods that work well in current computing environments. The book includes exercises and can be used as a test or supplementary text for various courses in modern statistics. It could serve as the primary test for a specialized course in statistical computing, or as a supplementary text for a course in computational statistics and other areas of modern statistics that rely on simulation. The book, which covers recent developments in the field, could also serve as a useful reference for practitioners. Although some familiarity with probability and statistics is assumed, the book is accessible to a broad audience. The second edition is approximately 50% longer than the first edition. It includes advances in methods for parallel random number generation, universal methods for generation of nonuniform variates, perfect sampling, and software for random number generation.

Tremendous progress has taken place in the related areas of uniform pseudorandom number generation and quasi-Monte Carlo methods in the last five years. This volume contains recent important work in these two areas, and stresses the interplay between them. Some developments contained here have never before appeared in book form. Includes the discussion of the integrated treatment of pseudorandom numbers and quasi-Monte Carlo methods; the systematic development of the theory of lattice rules and the theory of nets and (t,s)-sequences; the construction of new and better low-discrepancy point sets and sequences; Nonlinear congruential methods; the initiation of a systematic study of methods for pseudorandom vector generation; and shift-register pseudorandom numbers. Based on a series of 10 lectures presented by the author at a CBMS-NSF Regional Conference at the University of Alaska at Fairbanks in 1990 to a selected group of researchers, this volume includes background material to make the information more accessible to nonspecialists.

This volume contains recent work in uniform pseudorandom number generation and quasi-Monte Carlo methods, and stresses the interplay between them.

Exploring Monte Carlo Methods, Second Edition provides a valuable introduction to the numerical methods that have come to be known as "Monte Carlo." This unique and trusted resource for course use, as well as researcher reference, offers accessible coverage, clear explanations and helpful examples throughout. Building from the basics, the text also includes applications in a variety of fields, such as physics, nuclear engineering, finance and investment, medical modeling and prediction, archaeology, geology and transportation planning. - Provides a comprehensive yet concise treatment of Monte Carlo methods - Uses the famous "Buffon's needle problem" as a unifying theme to illustrate the many aspects of Monte Carlo methods - Includes numerous exercises and useful appendices on: Certain mathematical functions, Bose Einstein functions, Fermi Dirac functions and Watson functions

A comprehensive overview of Monte Carlo simulation that explores the latest topics, techniques, and real-world applications More and more of today’s numerical problems found in engineering and finance are solved through Monte Carlo methods. The heightened popularity of these methods and their continuing development makes it important for researchers to have a comprehensive understanding of the Monte Carlo approach. Handbook of Monte Carlo Methods provides the theory, algorithms, and applications that helps provide a thorough understanding of the emerging dynamics of this rapidly-growing field. The authors begin with a discussion of fundamentals such as how to generate random numbers on a computer. Subsequent chapters discuss key Monte Carlo topics and methods, including: Random variable and stochastic process generation Markov chain Monte Carlo, featuring key algorithms such as the Metropolis-Hastings method, the Gibbs sampler, and hit-and-run Discrete-event simulation Techniques for the statistical analysis of simulation data including the delta method, steady-state estimation, and kernel density estimation Variance reduction, including importance sampling, latin hypercube sampling, and conditional Monte Carlo Estimation of derivatives and sensitivity analysis Advanced topics including cross-entropy, rare events, kernel density estimation, quasi Monte Carlo, particle systems, and randomized optimization The presented theoretical concepts are illustrated with worked examples that use MATLAB®, a related Web site houses the MATLAB® code, allowing readers to work hands-on with the material and also features the author's own lecture notes on Monte Carlo methods. Detailed appendices provide background material on probability theory, stochastic processes, and mathematical statistics as well as the key optimization concepts and techniques that are relevant to Monte Carlo simulation. Handbook of Monte Carlo Methods is an excellent reference for applied statisticians and practitioners working in the fields of engineering and finance who use or would like to learn how to use Monte Carlo in their research. It is also a suitable supplement for courses on Monte Carlo methods and computational statistics at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels.

Random Number Generators, Principles and Practices has been written for programmers, hardware engineers, and sophisticated hobbyists interested in understanding random numbers generators and gaining the tools necessary to work with random number generators with confidence and knowledge. Using an approach that employs clear diagrams and running code examples rather than excessive mathematics, random number related topics such as entropy estimation, entropy extraction, entropy sources, PRNGs, randomness testing, distribution generation, and many others are exposed and demystified. If you have ever Wondered how to test if data is really random Needed to measure the randomness of data in real time as it is generated Wondered how to get randomness into your programs Wondered whether or not a random number generator is trustworthy Wanted to be able to choose between random number generator solutions Needed to turn uniform random data into a different distribution Needed to ensure the random numbers from your computer will work for your cryptographic application Wanted to combine more than one random number generator to increase reliability or security Wanted to get random numbers in a floating point format Needed to verify that a random number generator meets the requirements of a published standard like SP800-90 or AIS 31 Needed to choose between an LCG, PCG or XorShift algorithm Then this might be the book for you.

Scientists and engineers are increasingly making use of simulation methods to solve problems which are insoluble by analytical techniques. Monte Carlo methods which make use of probabilistic simulations are frequently used in areas such as numerical integration, complex scheduling, queueing networks, and large-dimensional simulations. This collection of papers arises from a conference held at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 1994. The conference brought together researchers across a range of disciplines whose interests include the theory and application of these methods. This volume provides a timely survey of this field and the new directions in which the field is moving.