Simulation programs refer to software used for the simulation, calculation, and pre-optimization of digital building models in the fields of building physics, structural engineering, and building services engineering. Applications include, for example, structural calculations using the finite element method, thermal and acoustic simulations, and heating and cooling load calculations.
Keywords: simulation, emulation, test, check, experiment, calculation, real-time, test, optimize
Simulation programs are derived from digital building models—meaning they generally do not work with the original geometry, but rather with highly simplified, abstracted models (a process known as discretization). This conversion process from a solid model to a discrete model places high demands on any open or proprietary data interfaces and often leads to unsatisfactory results in interdisciplinary collaboration. (see study by TU Wien)