Session Description
A Model is a product (physical or digital) that represents a system of interest, often for decision-making, while Simulation is the application of the model to analyze the performance of that system over time and space. This “beyond the basics” Professional Development Workshop (PDW) offers a detailed and engaging overview of core Modeling & Simulation (M&S) methodologies and solution approaches. The presentation serves as a “deep dive” into common mathematical formulations and solution techniques intended for the broad I/ITSEC community.
For context, the PDW will begin by expanding upon fundamental M&S technologies, terms, and historical concepts. A majority of the PDW will be consumed discussing contemporary M&S through worked examples which will be verbalized and problem-formulated, with solution strategies demonstrated using diverse mathematical approaches. The overall presentation will be driven by an engaging and media-drive MS PowerPoint format, with 5 MS Excel “breakouts” along the way to demonstrate a series of numerical implementations.
In this PDW, emphasis will be placed on applications related to vehicle (ground/flight/maritime) training applications, which have served as the cornerstone of I/ITSEC since its inception. As such, Physics-based modeling will be featured as the foundational M&S solution approach. The PDW will systematically present an overview of the primary developmental subcomponents of a vehicle simulator, including haptics/ inputs/controls, vehicle dynamics basics, essentials of motion simulation, virtual environments, image generation, sound simulation, and others. The companion numerical techniques (which will be demonstrated during the aforementioned breakouts) are linear algebra, ordinary differential equations, low/high-pass filters, collision detection, and numerical optimization approaches.
Finally, the PDW will also infuse introductory discussion of more recent “emerging” I/ITSEC priority concepts in M&S (as relevant to contemporary vehicle technologies), including AI, machine learning, game engines, immersive displays, and extended (e.g., virtual/augmented/mixed) reality techniques.
Intended audience and relevance to I/ITSEC
For engineers, educators, researchers, content development professionals, and project managers, the associated discipline of Modeling & Simulation (M&S) continues to be an invaluable resource for training, analysis, test, and evaluation. However, model development for any system of interest continues to be a challenging endeavor, and simulation effectiveness depends directly on the validity of that accompanying model representation. For these practitioners specifically, this PDW offers a more detailed, intermediate-scope presentation on M&S Fundamentals in a manner that combines traditional (passive) lecture content with additional (active) training elements to promote enhanced engagement and concept comprehension.
Note: To maintain and enhance conceptual continuity through I/ITSEC 2024, this PDW constitutes a “paired event” that expands upon introductory M&S concepts to be presented in the always popular, well-attended, and annually recurring Monday Tutorial: Introduction to Defense Modeling and Simulation. We hope that many of these attendees will join us for the Friday PDW.
Short statement of benefits participants will gain
PDW subject matter will be presented within an engaging and interactive format. Participants will be invited to join the presentation on their own laptops through a pre-tabbed Excel spreadsheet (including a solution key) which will be distributed at the onset of the PDW. This engagement will allow attendees to follow along contemporary M&S problem formulation and solution techniques including goal-seeking/solvers, optimization penalty approaches, matrix (linear) algebra, low/high pass filters, collision detection, and ordinary differential equations. Attendees can also opt to follow-along passively such that a laptop is recommended – but not required - for PDW attendance.
In alignment with the I/ITSEC 2024 conference theme (“Assuring Deterrence through Integrated Training and Readiness”), the focus of the PDW subject matter is training – acquiring specialized M&S competencies to improve mission preparedness. As such, the NTSA-endorsed Certified Modeling & Simulation Professional (CMSP) curriculum will be closely adhered to.