Chapter 2 Modeling Randomness

Learning Objectives

• To be able to generate random numbers using the Kotlin Simulation Library (KSL)
• To understand how to control random number streams within the KSL
• To be able to generate random variates using the KSL
• To understand how to use the KSL for basic probability computations

This chapter overviews the functionality of the KSL for modeling randomness within simulation models. The focus of this chapter is on getting started using the basic classes and functionality of the KSL. The theory and methods related to random number generation and random variate generation are provided in Appendix A. In that appendix, the underlying theory of the inverse transform method, convolution, acceptance rejection, and particular distribution modeling concepts are reviewed. In addition, the concepts of pseudo-random number generation are discussed. This chapter assumes that the reader has some familiarity with the general concepts presented in Appendix A.

NOTE! This chapter provides a series of example Kotlin code that illustrates the use of KSL constructs for generating random numbers and random variates. The full source code of the examples can be found in the accompanying KSLExamples project associated with the KSL repository. The files for each example of this chapter can be found here.