A Conceptual Methodology for Conducting Faster Than Real Time Experiments

Faster than real time simulation concepts are nowadays applied in multidisciplinary areas. Interaction between the real world and the simulation model is performed in real time, so that information obtained from each system is used to enhance our knowledge of the other. Even if such capabilities prove to be useful for real time applications, dealing with the requirements imposed is only accomplished through extending the traditional simulation methodology. Since model execution is performed faster than real world time, experimentation is considered as the most critical phase. A methodological approach towards an experimentation framework for interacting in real time with the actual system is introduced and analyzed in terms of its functionality, the activities it incorporates and the restrictions imposed. Realization of this methodological framework is also discussed through a simulation example.