Computational science is a relatively new discipline, and there is currently no consensus on a precise definition of what computational science actually is. In broad terms, computational science involves using computers to study scientific problems and complements the areas of theory and experimentation in traditional scientific investigation. Computational science seeks to gain understanding of science principally through the use and analysis of mathematical models on high performance computers.
Computational science has emerged as a powerful and indispensable method of analyzing a variety of problems in research, product and process development, and manufacturing. Computational simulation is being accepted as a third methodology in scientific research, complementing the traditional approaches of theory and experiment. Computer simulations provide both qualitative and quantitative insights into many phenomena that are too complex to be dealt with by analytical methods or too expensive or dangerous to study by experiments. Many experiments and investigations that have traditionally been performed in a laboratory, a wind tunnel, or the field are being augmented or replaced by computer simulations. Some studies, such as nuclear repository integrity and global climate change, involve time scales that preclude the use of realistic physical experiments. The availability of high performance computers, graphic workstations, and high speed networks, coupled with major advances in algorithms and software, has brought about a revolution in the way scientific and engineering investigations are carried out.
Computational science should not be confused with computer science. Computational science focuses on a scientific or engineering problem and draws from computer science and mathematics to gain an improved understanding of the problem. Computer science focuses on the computer itself. Even though the areas are quite distinct, many of the topics typically considered to be in the domain of computer science are of much value in computational science.
Traditional or established areas of computational science include:
Some nontraditional and emerging areas of computational science include:
The list continues to grow. More recently, computational science has begun to make inroads into other areas, such as music and the visual arts.
1. Here is a list of sites where you will find examples of computational science, modeling, and scientific visualization. Write a paragraph describing three of the sites. Include in each of your paragraphs the area of science involved, what is being modeled, and how visualization is being used.
2. Write a brief paragraph comparing and contrasting computer science and computational science.
3. Can you foresee a way in which you could use visualization in your project? Write a brief paragraph describing it.