Tutorial: Metamodeling for Simulation

Abstract

Metamodels are simpler computer models that are designed to mimic the input-output behavior of discrete-event or other complex simulation models. They are models of models, thus the name (provided by Jack P. C. Kleijnen). This introductory tutorial will highlight uses of metamodels, commonly used metamodel types, the linkage between metamodel type and the set of simulation model runs used to fit the metamodel, and basic issues in building and validating metamodels. The tutorial ends with a brief summary of recent research in metamodel types and use, and the implications for future metamodeling applications.