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Complex systems are defined as systems with many interdependent parts that
give rise to nonlinear and emergent properties determining their high-level
functioning and behavior. Due to the interdependence of their constituent
elements and other characteristics of complex systems, it is difficult to predict
system behavior based on the “sum of their parts” alone. Examples of complex
systems include human economies and societies, nervous systems, molecular
interaction networks, cells and other living things, such as bees and their hives,
and ecosystems, as well as modern energy and telecommunication infrastructures.
Arguably, one of the most striking properties of complex systems is that
conventional experimental and engineering approaches are inadequate to
capture and predict the behavior of such systems. A relatively recent and more
holistic approach employs computational techniques to model and simulate
complex natural phenomena and complex man-made artifacts. Complex
system simulations typically require considerable computing and storage
resources (processing units and primary and secondary memory) as well as
high-speed communication links. Supercomputers are the technology of choice
to satisfy these requirements. Because supercomputers are expensive to
acquire and maintain, there has been a trend to exploit distributed computing
and other large-scale computing technologies to facilitate complex system
simulations. Grid computing, service-oriented architectures, programmable
logic arrays, and graphic processors are examples of such technologies.
Complex systems modeling and simulation approaches are being adopted in a growing number of sectors, including finance, economics, biology, astronomy, and many more. Technologies ranging from distributed computing to specialized hardware are explored and developed to address the computational requirements arising in complex systems simulations.
The aim of this book is to present a representative overview of contemporary large-scale computing technologies in the context of complex systems simulations applications. The intention is to identify new research directions in this field and to provide a communications platform facilitating an exchange of concepts, ideas and needs between the scientists and technologist and complex system modelers. On the application side, the book focuses on modeling and simulation of natural and man-made complex systems. On the computing technology side, emphasis is placed on the distributed computing approaches, but supercomputing and other novel technologies are also considered. |
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