"To model the effect" means to create a representation or simulation of how something will affect a situation or outcome before it actually happens. Full definition
By changing the times the lights went on and off during the night each week, the researchers modeled the effects of chronic jet lag in normal mice who were fed a healthy diet. (sciencedaily.com)
Their success in modeling the effect of the eruption is brought up quite frequently. (realclimate.org)
The researchers propose that this brain region models the effect of gravity by comparing the head's motion in different directions and sending its calculations to the visual and motor systems. (scientificamerican.com)