Conceptual Modeling in Simulation: A Representation that Assimilates Events

Simulation is often based on some type of model of the evolved portion of the world being studied. The underlying model is a static description; the simulation itself is executed by generating events or dynamic aspects into the system. In this context, this paper focuses on conceptual modeling in simulation. It is considered the most important aspect in simulation modelling, at the same time it is thought the least understood The paper proposes a new diagrammatic language as a modeling representation in simulation and as a basis for a theoretical framework for associated notions such as events and flows. Specifically, operational semantics using events to define finegrained activities are assimilated into the representation, resulting in an integration of the static domain description and the dynamic chronology of events (so-called process level). The resulting unified specification facilitates understanding of the simulation procedure and enhances understanding of basic notions such as things (entities), events, and flows (activities). Keywords—events; flow; conceptual modeling; simulation; diagrammatic language