A study on modeling approaches in discrete event simulaiton using design patterns

Abstract

Many discrete event simulation (DES) systems have been built using Simkit as the underlying infrastructure. Simkit advocates a modeling paradigm where DES applications can be rapidly built with simple, independent modules that are assembled in a component-like fashion. This modeling paradigm encompasses several modeling approaches--active role of events, entities as independent components, and chaining components to enable interactivity--that are excellent ways of building a DES system. This thesis is inspired by the great work achieved in the mechanisms of the underlying infrastructure. Detailed study of the enabling mechanisms and design patterns was conducted. Design patterns are proven design solutions that embody best practices of software-design concepts; this thesis proposes new design that incorporates suitably identified design patterns into the mechanisms of the infrastructure to bring out the elegance of design, robustness, and maintainability that heighten the maturity of a simulation engine. The result of this research work has been a success; several design patterns have been identified and incorporated into a new design of the mechanisms behind a simulation engine. A DES application that was built for the SEAs project was able to switch over to run on the new simulation engine while keeping its business model intact.