DEDS Simulation Model Development

Abstract

This chapter introduces a number of traditional approaches for the development of simulation models. The simulation model associated with a modelling and simulation project is a computer program that captures the structural and behavioural details of the SUI as specified by the conceptual model. An important feature of the simulation model relates to the perspective taken in ‘packaging’ the model dynamics; in particular, the management of time is a major concern. At its most fundamental level, a DEDS model evolves as a consequence of discrete events which change the value of some of the model’s state variables. Thus, time management consists of determining event times and appropriately updating the model’s state variable at these times. The fundamental algorithm which captures the time management function is the execution and time advance algorithm. Four traditional world views are introduced each with its own execution and time management algorithm. These include the Activity Scanning world view, the Event Scheduling world view, the Three-Phase world view and the Process-Oriented world view. A procedure for transforming an ABCmod conceptual model into a simulation model corresponding to both the Three-Phase world view and the Process-Oriented world view is outlined.