Contents
- Index
Simulation Dialog Box
The Simulation dialog box is used to perform a simulation to evaluate statistical and process tolerances. This provides an alternative to the analytic approaches used by VarTran. The results of the simulation can be viewed on the Tolerances - Output tab of the Summary Table window and on the Simulated tab of the Capability Study window. The simulations are performed at the current set of targets for the continuous input variables and the currently selected categories for the category input variables.
The simulation results can be used to check the adequacy of the predicted averages and standard deviations for the outputs. If a discrepancy exists, the method of estimation should be changed in the Output Variable dialog boxes. The simulation results can also be used to determine the shape of the resulting distribution and to better predict the percent of units outside the specification limits.
The simulation dialog box is displayed by selecting the Simulation menu item on the Analysis menu or by clicking on the 
button on the toolbar. The dialog controls are:
Number Trials edit box:
The simulation will run until the specified number of trials have been performed. A trial consists of generating random numbers for each of the inputs and using these to calculate values for the outputs. Initially 100,000 is displayed in this field. You can skip this field and press the Simulate button right away. The simulation can then be stopped when a sufficient number of trials have been run. A minimum of 10,000 trials is highly recommended.
Simulate button:
Performs simulations until halted or the requested number of trials have been completed. Once the simulations are completed, the results can be viewed by pressing the View Results button. While the simulation is running, a Halt button is displayed that can be clicked to stop the simulation. The trials already performed will be saved.
View Results button:
Closes dialog box and displays Summary Table window showing results of simulation along side predicted values.
Click the Reset button to delete all existing simulation results. This allows a new simulation to be performed. The simulation results will also be deleted following a change to any of the variables that would effect the results.
To close the dialog box, click the Close button, press the Esc key or click the X in the upper right corner of the dialog box. For help, click the Help button or press the F1 key.