Welcome to the 2008 Computational Economics Modelling Exhibit ...
Below are the final versions of projects submitted by students in ECC3855, October 2008. They were given only a few weeks to take an idea of their choosing to modelling reality, learning NetLogo along the way. If you have any questions about these models or wish to contact one of the authors, please contact Dr Simon Angus (simon.angus AT buseco.monash.edu.au).
NB: Code is made available for research and educational purposes. The authors of each project remain the sole copyright owners.
The Models
Project Title |
The Bit Torrent Network |
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Authors |
Kashi Trathen and Rob Ball |
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About |
This model simulates the dynamics of a peer-to-peer bit torrent network. Bit Torrent is a popular protocol for distributing large files amongst multiple users over the internet, and studies have shown it to account for approximately 70 percent of total IP traffic (Yinka, 2005). It works by breaking a file into many segments (usually 100 or more depending on the size of the file) and allows individual users who are downloading the file to simultaneously upload completed segments to other users. This means that users are downloading from each other as well as from the server or the initial distributors (Cohen, 2008). Compared to traditional web hosting where everyone downloads directly from the server, Bit Torrent significantly reduces bandwidth usage and hardware requirements for the initial distributor, thereby resulting in substantial cost savings. In some cases (as this model will demonstrate) it is possible for the initial distributors (seeds) to drop out completely without undermining the network, provided enough file segments are in distribution. |
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Code |
attachment:BallTrathen-BitTorrent.nlogo |
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Project Title |
Highway Traffic Incident Reduction |
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Authors |
Jacqui Zucco and Ravi Dutta |
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About |
A primary consideration for the road traffic authorities when setting speed limits on roads is to reduce the likelihood of accidents occuring. Speed impacts on the likelihood of crashes being a constributing factor in one out of five accidents. Research suggests that the risk of involvement in a road traffic accident doubles with every 5km/h increase in speed over 60km/h. Whilst safety on roads is an important concern to the traffic authorities they must weigh this against the need for efficient movement along the roads. They balance these issues by attempting to maximising throuhput on the roads whilst minimising the likelihood of accidents. The road traffic authorities have even more recently been biased towards safety by setting lower speed limits in many areas. Is this approach justified? Many drivers on the other hand believe that driving at higher speeds will allow them to reach their destination faster. Is this an accurate belief? |
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Code |
attachment:ZuccoDutta-HighwayIncidents.nlogo |
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