**Preface XI**


Preface

their capacity.

hours or even days.

the point of view.

Information technologies have changed people's lives to a great extent, and now it is almost impossible to imagine any activity that does not depend on computers in some way. Since the invention of the first computer systems, people have been trying to use computers to solve complex problems in various areas. The need for computer systems for the calculation of different building and automotive constructions has appeared with the development of . Traditional methods of calculation have been replaced by computer programs that have the ability to predict the behaviour of structures under different loading conditions. Hence, ex‐ pensive experiments, tests, and examinations have been replaced by cheaper and more pow‐ erful computational methods that do not require the destruction of structures to determine

Fortunately, computer programs allow such problems to be easily solved. Computer simula‐ tion or a computer model has the task of simulating the behaviour of an abstract model of a particular system. Computer simulations have become a useful part of mathematical of many natural systems in physics, quantum mechanics, chemistry, biology, economic sys‐ tems, psychology, and social sciences, as well as in the engineering process of new technolo‐

Computer simulations are different from computer programs. Contrary to computer pro‐ grams that run for a few minutes, simulations can be run on a local network and can last for

Nowadays, computer simulations are used to solve problems in all spheres of life. Meteoro‐ logical forecasts, the calculation of rainfall, water flows in rivers, underground water flows, and oil exploitation are just some of the areas that cannot be imagined without computers. One of the most interesting computer applications is the simulation of processes in the hu‐ man body. Modern software solutions enable the calculation of muscle fatigue in certain ac‐ tivities, the deposition of fat in blood vessels, the risk of cancer, etc. In the future, these programs will be able to allow the realization of virtual surgeries and to predict the effects

The chapters are listed in a logical order, but they can be arranged differently, depending on

The first chapter illustrates the advantages and disadvantages of computer simulations and

The second chapter describes a modeling methodology to provide the main characteristics of a simulation tool for the analysis of the steady-state, transient operation and control of

their applications in almost every area and environment of everyday life.

steam generation processes, such as heat recovery steam generators.

gies to gain better insight into their way of working and behaving.

of surgeries before they are performed in reality.
