Modeling & Simulation in Physics: ZHAW Aviatik Course

In summary, the conversation discusses the importance of modeling and simulation in understanding physics and how system dynamics is a promising method for achieving this goal. The conversation also touches on other areas of physics that involve modeling and simulation, such as fluid dynamics, quantum computing, and biophysics. The speaker also mentions their experience with medical software applications that require mathematical modeling and simulation. The conversation ends with a discussion about finding another physics course with a similar emphasis on modeling and simulation and a bet made by a professor about the prevalence of such courses. Some suggestions for courses in different fields that heavily utilize modeling and simulation are mentioned.
  • #1
Moossameli
4
0
The importance of modeling and simulation for understanding physics is a central question of didactics. System dynamics is a promising method to achieve this goal. This method is applied at the Zurich University for Applied Sciences (ZHAW, http://www.systemdesign.ch/index.php?title=Physik_und_Systemwissenschaft_in_Aviatik_2014 ). Does anyone know of other physics courses, involving more modeling and simulation than in Winterthur?
 
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  • #2
Plenty, countless of them. Many areas in physics can be considered, such as fluid dynamics, quantum computing, nanotechnology, data analysis in biophysics, etc.
I have been working with quite a lot of medical software applications that need mathematical modeling and simulation (e.g circulatory system, human immune system, HIV-HBV infection, species interactions, food chain and network, gene expression network, protein structure prediction and modeling etc)

Please share your background and be specific about the application you are working with that you need any advice or help.
 
  • #4
That sounds like a silly bet. If you want to see some complicated models and simulation, look at biomechanical engineering. Basic fluid flow is a mixture of fluids with different compressibility and viscosity, and chunks of squishy, sticky cells. I have seen decades of aero and control laws, but basic bioengineering was eye opening.
 
  • #5
I'm not sure if there is because it seems the entire course is based around simulations being the primary teaching tool. The whole course seems to be structured around students building simulations to learn system dynamics better. It's a very interesting didactic concept, but I don't think most other university courses will teach the concepts in that same way. However, that's not to say you can't do the simulations yourself if you were to take the course from another university. For example, students in control systems often use MATLAB and Simulink to model dynamic systems.
 
  • #6
If you go outside of the physics realm, there are Operations Research courses that are all modeling and simulation -- an entire series of courses. But the entire bet seems like a "mine is bigger than everyone elses" type bet.
 

1. What is modeling and simulation in physics?

Modeling and simulation in physics is the process of using mathematical equations and computer algorithms to create virtual representations of physical systems. This allows scientists to study complex phenomena and make predictions about real-world systems without having to conduct physical experiments.

2. What is the purpose of modeling and simulation in physics?

The purpose of modeling and simulation in physics is to better understand and predict the behavior of physical systems. By creating virtual models and running simulations, scientists can test different scenarios and parameters to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of a system.

3. How is modeling and simulation used in aviation?

Modeling and simulation is widely used in aviation to design and test aircraft, engines, and other components. It allows engineers to analyze and optimize performance, safety, and efficiency before physically building and testing prototypes, saving time and resources.

4. What are the benefits of using modeling and simulation in physics?

There are several benefits to using modeling and simulation in physics. It allows for a deeper understanding of complex phenomena, reduces the need for costly and time-consuming physical experiments, and provides a platform for testing and optimizing designs. It also allows for the exploration of scenarios that may be difficult or impossible to replicate in the real world.

5. What are some examples of successful applications of modeling and simulation in physics?

Modeling and simulation has been successfully applied in a wide range of fields, including aerospace, engineering, medicine, and climate science. In aviation, it has been used to design more efficient and safer aircraft, and in medicine, it has helped to improve treatments and drug development. In climate science, it has been used to study and predict the impacts of climate change.

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