computer simulation

The use of a programmed computer, i.e., an internally stored-program computer, to represent or model the features or behavior of a physical or abstract system so that the computer produces the same results or permits the same analysis as the system being simulated. Note: Computer simulation may be performed on one computer using different software for each of the simulated systems, such as the behavior of a high-traffic communications system, the flight of a missile or satellite, the economy of a country, war games, a railroad network, or another computer. See also communications system, computer, computer program, emulator, internally stored-program computer, satellite, simulation, simulator, stored-program computer, traffic.