Methodologies and Approaches in Discrete Event Simulation

Abstract

This chapter aims to give a comprehensive explanatory platform of simulation background. As this chapter comprises of four sections, it reviews simulation definitions, forms of models, the need for simulation, simulation approaches and modeling notations. Simulation definition is essential in order to set research boundaries. Moreover, the chapter discusses forms of models: scale model of the real system, or discrete and continuous models. Subsequently, the chapter states documentation of several reasons by different authors pertaining to the question of “why simulate?,” followed by a thorough discussion of modeling approaches in respect to general considerations. Simulation modeling approaches are discussed with special emphasis on the discrete events type only: process-interaction, event scheduling, and activity scanning, yet, a slight comparison is made between the different approaches. Furthermore, the chapter discusses modeling notations activity cycle diagram (ACD) with different versions of the ACD. Furthermore, the chapter discusses petri nets, which handle concurrent discrete events dynamic systems simulation. In addition, Monte Carlo simulation is discussed due to its important applications. Finally, the fourth section of this chapter reviews Web-based simulation, along with all three different types of object-oriented simulation and modeling.