Discrete quantity approach to continuous simulation modelling

Abstract

Traditionally, simulation executives have been divided into discrete-event and continuous-time executives. Some systems require modelling using both discrete and continuous parts. Hybrid simulation executives have the drawback that they treat discrete and continuous parts of a system in completely different ways. Here it is shown how continuous models may be simulated using a discrete executive: the novel discrete quantity approach (DQA). The method could also be used to allow a continuous part to be added to a discrete model without the need for a hybrid executive.

Keywords:

• simulation
• methodology
• system dynamics