A hierarchical approach to stochastic discrete and continuous performance simulation using composable software components

This paper describes an integrated approach to modeling and simulation of discrete, continuous, and combined discrete/continuous dynamical behavior of stochastic systems. Representational paradigms and simulation techniques are presented. Integration is achieved by constructing a hierarchical suite of abstractions and simulation services built on a common microkernel. The abstractions and services are encapsulated into composable software components that leverage emerging distributed component platform technology, such as JavaBeans or Common Object Request Broker Architecture objects, for interoperation. Following the trend in large software system development, composable abstractions and services enables the use of interoperable components to assemble simulation applications from a variety of services and models, potentially from different vendors. The results illustrate a unified modeling and simulation strategy spanning low level logical/functional unit to high level architectural/process system design. New efficiencies in design methodologies are promoted by consolidating disparate simulation environments and models. Examples are given concerning performance simulation of microelectrofluidic systems. © 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Author Richard B. Fair Electrical and Computer Engineering