Simulation is the creative process of constructing hyperthetical boundary conditions within a specific context. In the world of humans, simulations appear to be everywhere. The human brain is thought of as a simulation machine. Further, the simulation hypothesis1 states that reality itself as perceived by humans may not be more than a simulation either.
Thought Experiments
Thought experiments2 describe the cognitive kind of strategies that help humans to illuminate the uncertainties of the world around them. In that sense, thought experiments resemble the same kind of outward energy distribution on a cognitive level that entropy exercises energetically.
Mental Models
Mental models3 describe the cognitive kind of strategies that help humans to manage the already acquired knowledge of the world around them. In that sense, mental models resemble the same kind of inward energy accumulation on a cognitive level that gravity exercises energetically. From there it follows that mental models are the inversion of thought experiments.