In order to study and predict system behaviour, simulation has become an established tool. Furthermore, tools based on simulation have been developed. Having a simulation model to predict the behaviour also means that it can be used for system optimization in simulation based optimization, where a simulation model is run repeatedly with different parameters, until a satisfactory solution is found. It is also very useful for other types of studies, such as sensitivity analysis.
System simulation is at the heart of system development. Linköping University and the division of Fluid and Mechatronic Systems in particular is host for HOPSAN. A simulation tool that can predict fluid powers, electric power, flight and vehicle dynamics.