Verification and validation of computer simulation models

When we want to make a computer program that lets us simulate how something in the real world works, like a rocket or a car, we need to check if our program is doing a good job at actually simulating the real thing. This is where verification and validation come in.

Verification means making sure that our program is doing what it's supposed to do correctly. It's like making sure that our rocket simulator is actually simulating how rockets move in space. We do this by checking the math and coding of the program to make sure it's accurate and that the program is working as intended.

Validation means making sure that our program is going to give us correct and useful results when we use it. It's like making sure that our rocket simulator is going to give us accurate predictions of how real rockets will behave in space. We do this by testing the program against real-world data or experiments to see if the program's predictions match up with what we observe.

By doing both verification and validation, we make sure that our simulation program is both accurate and useful in helping us understand how the real world works.