Continuous systems simulation using GPSS/H

Abstract

Simulation models of continuous systems are in fact discrete computational models. This is the result of applying numerical methods for integrating the differential equations generally used as mathematical models of continuous systems. Under such conditions the values of all variables in the simulation model are computed for discrete values of the independent variable time , separated by a fixed or variable step , according to the integration method used. Each value of the independent variable time for which the simulation model state changes can be considered as the time point when an event takes place. Such point of view leads to an obvious conclusion: continuous systems simulation can be performed using a discrete event simulator. This approach is very important in those cases when the considered system has a combined (discrete event and continuous) model and the available simulation tool does not provide for continuous systems modeling.