This page contains links to lecture notes, to required and supplemental readings, to software programs required for the Project, and to other tools we've found useful and collected here for your convenience.
Session 1 - Introduction
An overview of SYST-683, with a discussion of various definitions and taxonomies of combat models. The combat model being used as a recurring example through-out the course, Eagle, is introduced.
Session 2 - Principles of Good Use of Combat Models
A discussion of appropriate and inappropriate use of combat models in the context of military decision-making. Project Part I is introduced, and a short review of statistical hypothesis testing is provided for use in the project. The basic time control structure of simulations is introduced.
Homework Solution
Session 3 - Physical Models of Attrition
Physical models of attrition. Single-shot and multi-shot accuracy and lethality models.
Homework Solution
Session 4 - Aggregated Models of Attrition - Lanchester
Lanchester models of attrition for aggregate-level simulation.
Homework
Homework Solution
Session 5 - Aggregated Models of Attrition - Lanchester Extensions
Stochastic Extensions to Lanchester models of attrition.
Homework
Homework Solution
Session 6 - Aggregated Models of Attrition - Non-Lanchester Models
Non-Lanchester attrition algorithms of aggregated combat.
Example Midterm
Example Midterm Solutions
Midterm Review
Session 7 - Modeling Target Acquisition
Target Acquisition algorithms.
Session 8 - Modeling the Battlefield Environment
Modeling the Battlefield Environment - Terrain and Mobility
Homework
Session 9 - Modeling C4ISR
Modeling Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance
Session 10 - Modeling Battlefield Functions; THUNDER; EADSIM
Modeling Battlefield Functions - THUNDER, EADSIM, Ground Combat Functions
Session 11 - The Future of M&S
The Future of Military Modeling and Simulation
Session 12 - Distributed Simulations
Distributed Simulation, High-Level Architecture
Session 13 - Agent-Based Models; System Dynamics Modeling
System Dynamics Animated Example
System Dynamics COIN Example
Example Final
Solutions to Example Final
Review for Final
Project Statement - Part 1
TankDuel V2 simulation zip file
Project Details
TankDuel V1 simulation zip file (32-bit)
TankDuel V1 simulation zip file (64-bit)
Download the project statement and zip file for use in part I of the project. It contains the directions and the simulation you will use for the project. Instructions on installing and testing the simulation are found in the project statement.
Normal and T-Distribution Tables
Statistical tables for Normal (Z) and Students-T Distributions. (Ref "http://www.statsoft.com/textbook/distribution-tables/")
Spreadsheet Lanchester Attrition Algorithm
Lanchester Homogeneous Square-Law and Linear-Law Spreadsheet attrition algorithm.
Spreadsheet Potential-Anti-Potential Attrition Algorithm
Potential/Anti-Potential (Eigenvalue Method) Attrition Algorithm for 2x2 case.
Spreadsheet T-Test
Two ways to compute a Student's t-Test - either by computing the t statistic and looking the value up in the T-table, or by using Excel's builtin tool.
NetLogo MM1 Queue model
Simple M/M/1 Queueing model; requires NetLogo 4.1
Airland Combat Models I, High Resolution Combat Modeling , James K. Hartman, Sam H. Parry, and William J. Caldwell, 8 December 1992.
Airland Combat Models II, Aggregated Combat Modeling , James K. Hartman, Sam H. Parry, and William J. Caldwell, 7 December 1992.
F.W. Lanchester, Aircraft in Warfare, The Dawn of the Fourth Arm,
Constable and Company Ltd., London, 1916.
Virtual Combat, David Neyland, Good look at the history of distributed simulation, with emphasis on DIS
Military Operations Research, Vol 5, Number 3, 2000. “The Stochastic Versus Deterministic Argument for Combat Simulations: Tales of When the Average Won’t Do”, Thomas
W. Lucas
Land Warfare and Complexity Part I ”Mathematical Background and Technical Sourcebook”, Andy Ilachinski, Center for Naval Analyses, July 1996
http://www.cna.org/research/1996/land-warfare-complexity-part-ii-assessment
Land Warfare and Complexity Part II ”An Assessment of the Applicability of Nonlinear Dynamics and Complex Systems Theory to the Study of Land Warfare”, Andy Ilachinski, Center for Naval Analyses, July 1996
“Introduction to Military Training Simulations: A Guide for Discrete Event Simulationists”,
Ernest H. Page and Roger Smith, "Proceedings of the 1998 Winter Simulation Conference".
“The Base of Sand Problem: A White Paper on the State of Military Combat Modeling”,
Paul K. Davis, Donald Blumenthal, Rand Corp, 1991.
"High Level Architecture" Course Notes,
Roy Crosbie and John Zenor, McLeod Institute of Simulation Sciences, California State University, Chico.