This book deals with the most fundamental and essential techniques to simulate complex systems, from the dynamics of molecules to the spreading of diseases, from optimization using ant colonies to the simulation of the Game of Life.

This book illustrates how models of complex systems are built up and provides indispensable mathematical tools for studying their dynamics. This second edition includes more recent research results and many new and improved worked out examples and exercises.

This book aims to provide a description of these new Artificial Intelligence technologies and approaches to the modeling and simulation of complex systems, as well as an overview of the latest scientific efforts in this field such as the platforms and/or the software tools for smart modeling and simulating complex systems. These tasks are difficult to accomplish using traditional computational approaches due to the complex relationships of components and distributed features of resources, as well as the dynamic work environments. In order to effectively model the complex systems, intelligent technologies such as multi-agent systems and smart grids are employed to model and simulate the complex systems in the areas of ecosystem, social and economic organization, web-based grid service, transportation systems, power systems and evacuation systems.

Robert Siegfried presents a framework for efficient agent-based modeling and simulation of complex systems. He compares different approaches for describing structure and dynamics of agent-based models in detail. Based on this evaluation the author introduces the “General Reference Model for Agent-based Modeling and Simulation” (GRAMS). Furthermore he presents parallel and distributed simulation approaches for execution of agent-based models –from small scale to very large scale. The author shows how agent-based models may be executed by different simulation engines that utilize underlying hardware resources in an optimized fashion.

This book provides readers with an overview of recent theories and methods for studying complex mechanical systems used in energy production, such as wind turbines, but not limited to them. The emphasis is put on strategies for increasing energy efficiency, and on recent industrial applications. Topics cover dynamics and vibration, vibroacoustics, engineering design, modelling and simulation, fault diagnostics, signal processing and prognostics. The book is based on peer-review contributions and invited talks presented at the first International Workshop on MOdelling and Simulation of COmplex Systems for Sustainable Energy Efficiency, MOSCOSSEE 2021, held online on February 25-26, 2021, and organized by the LAboratory of Mechanics, Modelling and Production (LA2MP) from University of Sfax, Tunisia and the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical engineering, Centre of Asset Integrity Management (C-AIM) from University of Pretoria, South Africa. By offering authoritative information on innovative methods and tools for application in renewable energy production, it provides a valuable resource to both academics and professionals, and a bridge to facilitate communication between the two groups.

This illuminating text/reference presents a review of the key aspects of the modeling and simulation (M&S) life cycle, and examines the challenges of M&S in different application areas. The authoritative work offers valuable perspectives on the future of research in M&S, and its role in engineering complex systems. Topics and features: reviews the challenges of M&S for urban infrastructure, healthcare delivery, automated vehicle manufacturing, deep space missions, and acquisitions enterprise; outlines research issues relating to conceptual modeling, covering the development of explicit and unambiguous models, communication and decision-making, and architecture and services; considers key computational challenges in the execution of simulation models, in order to best exploit emerging computing platforms and technologies; examines efforts to understand and manage uncertainty inherent in M&S processes, and how these can be unified under a consistent theoretical and philosophical foundation; discusses the reuse of models and simulations to accelerate the simulation model development process. This thought-provoking volume offers important insights for all researchers involved in modeling and simulation across the full spectrum of disciplines and applications, defining a common research agenda to support the entire M&S research community.

Simulation Methods for Reliability and Availability of Complex Systems discusses the use of computer simulation-based techniques and algorithms to determine reliability and availability (R and A) levels in complex systems. The book: shares theoretical or applied models and decision support systems that make use of simulation to estimate and to improve system R and A levels, forecasts emerging technologies and trends in the use of computer simulation for R and A and proposes hybrid approaches to the development of efficient methodologies designed to solve R and A-related problems in real-life systems. Dealing with practical issues, Simulation Methods for Reliability and Availability of Complex Systems is designed to support managers and system engineers in the improvement of R and A, as well as providing a thorough exploration of the techniques and algorithms available for researchers, and for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students.