Numerical Solution of Models

The ultimate goal of much performance analysis is to generate numerical performance results for a particular system under specific conditions. These can take the form of tables or a set of performance curves. There are a variety of numerical techniques available, ranging from the brute force solution of the state equations to clever algorithms to Monte Carlo type simulation. With all these techniques the cost of solution in terms of solution time and computer memory requirements are important considerations. The cost of solving a system of even moderate complexity may be prohibitively expensive for a particular technique and computer installation. There is a tradeoff between our ability to model and our ability to solve such models. There is thus an advantage to simplified models that capture the most important aspects of the system in question.