Simulation, an analysis technique used to predict outcomes of systems, often implies a computer simulation. Engineers use computer simulation to study systems to better understand how they function and the mechanisms that control their behavior. Simulations generally utilize mathematical models that are approximations to actual systems. However, because a model is an approximation to a real system, it lacks some of the complexity, and the results of the simulation will also be an approximation to the real system results. However, these limitations are minor when compared to the power that simulations enable. Meteorologists use computer simulations to predict the trajectory and strength of hurricanes. These models process a tremendous amount of information when making predictions. It is also possible to use simulation to predict the likelihood of other outcomes and what those alternative outcomes may be.
Simulations are used by biomedical engineers to predict blood flow through the body, evaluate the capabilities of a new artificial heart, study movement profiles of athletes to improve performance, evaluate the consequences of different surgical options on gait, and to understand the growth patterns of brain tumors and the potential effect of chemotherapy.
