Component Framework for Simulation Tool Development

Research project P 14123 Component Framework for Simulation Tool Development Herbert PRÄHOFER 24.01.2000 Simulation is a problem solving methodology for complex systems analysis and design where a system under study is reproduced by a computer program to be used as an ecperimental testbed. Although its success and its wide application, simulation has still not gained its full potential. As one reason and, thus, are not accepted by application engineers. Current simulation tools suffer from several drawbacks, like inflexibility, .imited modelling capabilities, limitations in adapting and extending it to particular problem domains and inadequate user interfaces. In the proposed research we strive to overcome limitations of current simulation tools by pursuing a state-of-the- art component-based software engineering and simulation modelling approach. In distinction to standard simulation tools and languages, we envision a component-based simulation framework which should facilitate to build company and application domain specific simulation tools and systems with minimal effort. These simulation tools provide components corresponding to the product catalog of the company and a user interface targeted to the application engineer. It can integrated in the overall engineering process. Stimulated by recent advances in software engineering and simulation methodology, we will investigate and develop approaches for building reusable simulation component libraries, define architectural principles and design patterns for simulation modelling, show an application engineer can be best supported by a multi-modeling approach and appropriate user interfaces, and design a framework program for simulation tool development. The approaches will be employed to realize a component based simulation framework in Java. Pilot applications with industrial partners will show the practical potential of the approach.