What is Simulation software: Definition and 67 Discussions

Simulation software is based on the process of modeling a real phenomenon with a set of mathematical formulas. It is, essentially, a program that allows the user to observe an operation through simulation without actually performing that operation. Simulation software is used widely to design equipment so that the final product will be as close to design specs as possible without expensive in process modification. Simulation software with real-time response is often used in gaming, but it also has important industrial applications. When the penalty for improper operation is costly, such as airplane pilots, nuclear power plant operators, or chemical plant operators, a mock up of the actual control panel is connected to a real-time simulation of the physical response, giving valuable training experience without fear of a disastrous outcome.
Advanced computer programs can simulate power system behavior, weather conditions, electronic circuits, chemical reactions, mechatronics, heat pumps, feedback control systems, atomic reactions, even complex biological processes. In theory, any phenomena that can be reduced to mathematical data and equations can be simulated on a computer. Simulation can be difficult because most natural phenomena are subject to an almost infinite number of influences. One of the tricks to developing useful simulations is to determine which are the most important factors that affect the goals of the simulation.
In addition to imitating processes to see how they behave under different conditions, simulations are also used to test new theories. After creating a theory of causal relationships, the theorist can codify the relationships in the form of a computer program. If the program then behaves in the same way as the real process, there is a good chance that the proposed relationships are correct.

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  1. robertphy

    Interactive lessons using PhET Sims and quizzes

    Hi, I want to write some interactive Physics lessons, where students can engage with Phet Simulations and then answer some quizzes to test their thinking along the way. Any of you did that, or similar? Please, let me know if anything is unclear. I sincerely hope you can have a great time...
  2. mhr0003

    How to add HZO as an Oxide gate in Silvaco TCAD?

    I am trying to simulate a Gate-All-Around FET in Silvaco TCAD for my thesis but I can't figure out how to add HZO (Hf0.5Zr0.5O2). I would really appreciate it if anyone could help me with the code for HZO or help me in any other way. Thank you.
  3. I

    B Calculate needed dimensions of table - Center of mass, levers etc

    My high school physics days are long ago ;) This is not homework, well, other than it is work, at home. For a real application: Very space constrained "workshop", got a bench drill press, and want to build a table on wheels for it, to be able to move it into a corner when not needed. Those...
  4. sophiecentaur

    Free simulation software for antenna and feed modelling

    I want to be able to predict the performance of modest (Amateur) Radio Telescope Equipment. Most of what I can find from a basic search will cost a lot of money. (Not surprisingly). I located a free, student, version of CST Suite from Dassault and it appears to be very powerful and can deal...
  5. U

    COMSOL: stress on a sensor, how to use infinite element domain?

    At the risk of waiting hours on simulations of a sensor, I was wondering if I could use infinite element domain on COMSOL to simplify it. The first image consists of what I would like to simulate but found out that the simulation time is a huge factor as I have a lot to simulations to conduct...
  6. dasil12a

    3D Solid State Simulation Software

    How did you find PF?: Google I am studying the mechanical/electrical nature that govern certain nano-fabricated crystalline structures. Can someone with experience please recommend a 3d Solid State Simulation software that will allow me perform the following: Allows individual 3D placement...
  7. RentonPhysics

    Soda Constructor: Rewritten in JS | Free for Classrooms

    Some people may remember this old java applt, I rewritten it in JS recently, its free possible to use in classroom, enjoy: http://panoramx.ift.uni.wroc.pl/%7Emaq/felp.pl/sanjose/index.html The article about it is here.
  8. RentonPhysics

    My HTML5 Physics Apps Collection Age 6-14 - FELP.PL

    Enjoy my collection of physics&related html mini applications, it's free and not commercial (I did them for fun and for my kids at extra school lesson). The idea was "so you have this adress and discover by yourself what is that". Some are simply just external links to PHeT etc, some are unique...
  9. A

    Simulation of transistor switch circuit

    Hello, I'm new to electronics and I'm reading a book currently to learn more about the topic. I'm currently on a section where I'm building circuits where I'm using a transistor as a switch. I decided to experiment with the circuit they gave me and put it in a simulation software called Proteus...
  10. T

    Help with an Apollo space program flight simulation guide

    Hi all, This is my first time posting on this forum. I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this question so apologies in advance. Perhaps someone could recommend a more appropriate forum for me to post this on. I'm working on creating documentation for a simulation. It's an Apollo...
  11. B

    Simulation Software for a Permanent Magnet Alternator Design

    I am looking to try some design ideas using PMs for alternator design. I am a retired EE so I do not have corporate capital for simulation software. Does anyone know of low to medium cost simulation software that might be workable for basic flux/emf/etc calculations and modeling? Or other...
  12. J

    3-D simulation software with mathematical parameters

    I would like to know where it would be possible to download a 3d simulation software tha twould operate according mathematical pharameters
  13. Jones15

    Force exerted by the abdomen on our vest

    How to calculate the force or pressure by the movement of the abdomen (due to inhalation and exhalation) on the vest(tight T-shirt for example) that we are wearing ?
  14. PhiowPhi

    How accurate is ANSYS-Maxwell?

    I've been using this software for a while for various problems/projects, but never actually experimented based on a simulation, and compared the simulation data vs. actual data. I would love to get input of how accurate is this software is in-comparison to others like COMSOL/LISA?
  15. T

    A Free Simulator Software for Vacuum Field BVPs | Tom

    Hi, I am interested in simulating the vacuum field equations, but solving a full boundary value problem rather than the initial value problem. i.e. I might have boundary conditions in all spatial and temporal extents/extremes, rather than just an initial 3D surface. Does anyone know any free...
  16. S

    How Does Heat Transfer Into a Sphere Over Time?

    Hi, I am looking to simulate a very - seemingly - simple case. Any advice on a software package would be helpful - preferably gui which doesn't have a steep learning curve. I want to model the heat flux into a sphere from the outside. The dimensions of the sphere are not important to me. I...
  17. R

    A Computer simulation of neutrino physics research

    I am researcher in computational condensed matter physics. Now, I want to start research on neutrino physics using simulation. Please anybody guide me how to start: I mean which software to use and from where to get experimental data and then simulate. Thank you,
  18. G

    Software to simulate an atom and chemical reactions?

    Hi, I am trying to simulate in 3D a bunch of chemical reactions. Some of them are complex and I would like to be able to just spawn the elements and molecules and watch them collide to see what happens. Is their any free software to do this?
  19. N

    Help in designing electromagnets

    Hi all, First post, be gentle... I'm trying to build a system based on the MIT Actuated Workbench. They used electromagnets with the following spec: 1.9cm (0.75”) diameter x 3.8cm (1.5”) length, wound with 32-gauge copper wire with a total length resistance of 120-122 ohms, with no metal...
  20. B

    AC current / circuit simulation software

    I'm looking for software that can simulate an ac circuit. After a quick google, I found several free online services (which I will try out). What I was wondering though is if anyone had some advice concerning my selection. A brief list of requirements: accurate simulation of different conductor...
  21. A

    ANSYS System Coupling: Mechanical-Electrical Inquiry

    I have an inquiry about how to make a system coupling between mechanical and electrical system in ANSYS program.
  22. qnach

    Optics/lens/LCD simulation software

    I was told in the industry people use ZeMax ASAP Code V ... to do design. However, I cannot find a trial version of them to practice. Is there anyother sofftware which are free?
  23. l0st

    Is There Free Software Capable of Simulating Fusion in Large Atomic Systems?

    In a nutshell: is there any free software, which can take as input full description of a relatively large system (20-100 light atoms + photons), simulate its evolution over a period of time, and tell the probability of fusion over that time? If there's no such thing available, how close could...
  24. S

    How to simulate protons on a computer program to observe them?

    Well I'm in grade 11 and for an investigation I decided I'd observe the behavior of protons once the neutrons and electrons are removed from the atom. Specifically I want to observe how the acceleration at which the protons move apart from each other varies with the mass of the atom (i.e. #...
  25. U

    Simulation Inhomogeneous Compound Semiconductor Thin Films

    I'm not good at English. I'm a undergraduate student. I'm interested in this research. I'm interested the simulation part but I don't know how to start. Please guiding me how to simulate method or program did they use on paper. " A Theoretical Study on Van Der Pauw Measurement Values of...
  26. A

    Recommendation for a Physics Simulation Software

    Hi All, I'm studying physics by myself and would like a recommendation for a physics simulation software I can play with. Something I can play around with the variables and see what happens. Suggestions? Andre
  27. A

    Heat simulation in electrical/mechanical engineering

    Hi all, I was wondering if anyone uses simulation software's to tackle the heat related issues in electrical/mechanical engineering? Regards
  28. mishima

    Logic gate Simulation Software?

    Hi, I have used Digital Works and Logisim for doing things like building memory cells out of logic gates and general study of sequential logic. The free version of Digital Works does not work on my 64 bit windows computer at work, and Logisim does not offer all of the features of Digital Works...
  29. P

    Freeware simulation software for automotive engineering

    hello! is there any freeware simulation software for automotive engineering? thanks!
  30. M

    Is there any simulation software for Balsa Bridge ?

    Is there any simulation software for Balsa Bridge ?
  31. chakr

    What is the Best Software for RF PCB Design and Simulation?

    Hi all, can anyone recommend a good software to help in design and simulation of PCB traces, matching circuits, and microstrip lines. Thank you.
  32. W

    What Simulation Software Covers the Broadest Range of Physics Topics?

    What is the best simulation software that allows for user input of variables and covers the widest range of physics topics. I.e. from introductory mechanics all the way to particle physics. If there is even any such software out there. Thank you!
  33. G

    Optics and fluid dynamics simulation software

    I am doing "Schlieren imaging" visualization of a gas flow from the nozzle. could anyone please recommend a software to simulate a gas flow from the nozzle. in addition please recommend a software to simulate optics, like the propagation of a light beam through the optics and image...
  34. T

    Recommendations for astrophysical simulation software.

    Good morning/afternoon/evening to all, I have a question for those more familiar with simulation software. Allow me to elaborate on my situation: My professor and I have nearly completed our journal submission on space photonic laser thrusters, and we have built upon recent ideas brought...
  35. R

    Which software is used for creating simulated cosmic systems?

    Hey, does anyone know what software is used on the astrophysics videos made by NASA? Or similar modeling software where I can play around a bit creating solar systems and stuff like that? Thanks
  36. K

    Simulation software for modeling a dusty fission reactor variant.

    Hi, all. Could anyone recommend some good software for modeling nuclear physics? I have concept nuclear rocket that I wanted to attempt to model the engine for to see how practical it would be. In case it's relevant: The design is a subcritical fast dusty fission fragment reactor driven by a...
  37. S

    Any physics simulation software?

    Is there any software for simulating physical phenomena? I've googled it and found one named Physion. It is great for fun but is too limited. Would programming be the only way or is there some ready-made program that could provide an easy environment to develop simulations.
  38. E

    Quartus II simulator OR recommended simulation software?

    Hello, I'm learning digital logic and design, I was told that I should use Quartus II, which so far works very well for me. Unfortunately, I noticed that simulating was eliminated on recent versions of Quartus II on the web edition. So, while new versions are better and I still prefer the...
  39. B

    Questionable results with simulation software

    I am doing an assignment for college, (though my question is more general, rather than based on questions I have been set, hence the reason this post not being in the homework forum). It is basic DC circuit analysis using, Kirchhoff, Thevenin and Norton theorems. Nothing taxing, so I know my...
  40. M

    Circuit Simulation Software

    Hi I am working on a project at the moment and I was wondering if there is any circuit simulator that includes the PIC 18F4550 microcontroller. I currently use Crocodile Technology and I have tried editing the code to get the chip to just appear (I don't need it to do anything just sit there so...
  41. H

    I need a simulation software for Frequency Planning really need it

    Any suggestion or hints for any software that helps in Frequency Planning for Communication networks... please give links! thank you all.
  42. G

    About nuclear fuel cycle simulation software

    Hello ,everybody I plan to develop a nuclear fuel cycle simulation software . Is there any body interesting it. I think this is a very complex project. :)
  43. S

    Best Circuit simulation Software?

    I recently downloaded LTSpice IV to use for testing circuits. Before I start to really learn the software I'd like to know if it's what I should be using or if there's something better. Basically I'm just testing simple circuits, but I do need the software to have a virtual oscilloscope.
  44. M

    General/complete physics simulation software?

    Is there a complete physics simulator that I can use to do lots of things while I learn physics? For example, I just learned about barymeters. It would be very interesting to simulate one. It could be done setting up a small atmosphere filled with a gas, the glass model and the liquid. Some time...
  45. K

    (Electric) Circuit simulation software for blood flow model

    Hey guys! I am working on a simulation of a brain blood flow model. Instead of programming something on my own, I wanted to check first whether there are any electric circuit programs that could do the job. I am using the flow-circuit/electric circuit analogy...
  46. C

    Need bending machine simulation software and where to start to make it?

    I am doing my internship in the factory produce pipe, kabel for automotive. We get one project from user to make a bended pipe... So far we bend it manually using some torsion tool and operated by human... The tug time is so high so we plan to make the machine if the cost is coverable...
  47. P

    Why is my circuit simulation software not working properly?

    Hello I need to do some simulations before trying to make a real circuit. I was advised to use the free software by Linear Technology. However, it works bad. I have a circuit with a couple of operational amplifiers(op-amp). According to the first golden rule, an op-amp should keep equal...
  48. B

    Thermal Simulation Software (Flixo vs Therm)

    Hey All, Have any of you ever worked with thermal software such as Flixo and Therm? I'm having a problem with U-Value calculations differing between the two programs, and I would really liek to get to the bottom of why. What I'm thinking: I am coming up with some ideas based on some...
  49. Y

    Optical Design and Simulation Software

    Hi all, I am seeking for an optical design an simulation platform. There will be splitters, combiners and mirrors with precisely adjusted angles/positions. I will input the specs and position of all the components (including the light source) and want to view the corresponding optical path...
  50. S

    Wind tunnel simulation software

    Does anyone know of any simple aerodynamics simulators? Preferably one that would allow me to import a 3D model and then calculate its drag coefficient? I have done a few searches, but failed to find much of anything. Oh, and it needs to be free. Not part of some mutli-hundred dollar...
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