Mistakes to avoid
Produce mock-ups, prototypes and pre-production models for validation

Back to numerical simulation: it would be a mistake to think that "virtual experimentation" can fully validate a product. Don't forget:

• that it implements modeling (mathematical representation of the model) of the "physics" of the model;

• the case studied is described, its boundaries identified and the physical laws parameterized;

• that the calculation itself, which leads to extremely precise results, depends on the quality and fidelity of the modeling and simulation.

In particular, simulation is only valid within a domain of validity. Beyond its boundaries, modeling must itself be validated in the mathematical sense of the term.