A Formal Structure for Discrete Event Simulation. Part I: Modeling Multiple Level Systems

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a cohesive framework for discrete event simulation, and the embedded decision processes of a system being modeled. The work presented in the paper is an effort to develop a scientific base for simulation modeling. The paper addresses the need for separate and structured representations of physical and logical entities of a manufacturing system for simulation modeling. The formal and hierarchical constructs defined for physical and logical entities are based on a state-space representation that allows the integration of physical and logical facets in a model with varying degrees of detail. All the entities of a manufacturing system, from the most primitive to the most sophisticated, can be represented in a model by using one of the symbolic structures provided. The framework also describes the simulation dynamics by using the defined constructs.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

S. Cem Karacal

S. Cem Karacal is an Assistant Professor of Industrial Engineering at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. He received his B.S. degree in IE from Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey, in 1982, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Industrial Engineering from Oklahoma State University, in 1986 and 1990, respectively. He has four years of experience in academia, industry, and consulting. His primary areas of interest are object-oriented modeling, AI applications in simulation, and semiconductor manufacturing scheduling. He is a member of IIE, Alpha Pi Mu, and Tau Beta Pi.

Joe H. Mize

Joe H. Mize, Regents Professor of Industrial Engineering at Oklahoma State University, has over thirty years of experience in academia and industry. He is the author or coauthor of six engineering textbooks, and has edited over 90 engineering texts. He has also authored or coauthored over 60 technical articles. He is Past President of the Institute of Industrial Engineers, and is a Fellow of IIE and the Institute of Production Engineers. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and in 1990 received the Frank and Lillian Gilbreth Industrial Engineering Award from IIE.