Problem solving process in Computational Simulation

Definition

The overall problem solving process in computational simulation usually in- cludes the following steps:

1. Develop a mathematical model-usually expressed by equations of some type of a physical phenomenon or system of interest

2. Develop algorithms to solve the equations numerically

3. Implement the algorithms in computer software
4. Run the software on a computer to simulate the physical process numerically

5. Represent the computed results in some comprehensible form such as graphical visualization

6. Interpret and validate the computed results, repeating any or all of the preceding steps, if necessary.

Step 1 is called mathematical modelling and requires knowledge of the specific scientific or engineering discipline (ie. water physics) and requires knowledge of applied mathematics.

Step 2 and 3: Designing, implementing, analyzing, and using numerical algorithms and software.