A Model for Computational Science Investigations

Supercomputing Challenge2007 - 2008

Computational Science?

Computational Science is the use of mathematics and computers to explore “real world” problems in science.

Computational Science

• Computational Science (CS) complements, but does not completely replace, field experimentation in scientific research.

• CS is ideally suited to exploration of problems which are too expensive, too dangerous, too difficult to control … for extensive experimentation in the field.

• CS allows us to perform large numbers of experiments using alternative scenarios with different inputs (“what if …?”).

Computational Science Process

Real World Problem

Real World Problem

WorkingModel

WorkingModel

Mathematical/

BehavioralModel

Mathematical/

BehavioralModel

Computational

Model

Computational

Model

Results/Conclusions

Results/Conclusions

Simplify

Represent

Translate

Simulate

Interpret

Image001.gif

1. Select a Real World Problem:

The Computational Science Process Project Title: ________________________________Team #: ______ School: ______________________Team Members: _____________________________Scientist: _____________________

Research&Simplify

2. Develop an idea for a Working Model

3. Select Mathematical or Agent-based Model

Represent&Explain

* If no data could be collected from a model like this, go back to step #1.

TranslateIntoCode

Setup the Experiments

4. Design & Implement the Computational Model.

5. Run the Computational Model

ProduceData

6. Analyze the Data

* If the data doesn’t make sense, go back to step #4.

* If you cannot talk about your model, do not move on to the next step. 

Does the data describe the real world phenomena