Simulation Modeling at Multiple Levels of Abstraction

Abstract

Characterizes the problem of multiple levels of abstraction in simulation modeling and develops an approach that addresses the problem. In this paper, we describe: (i) the notion of abstraction and the technical problems associated with multiple levels of abstraction, (ii) how abstractions affect different activities during the simulation modeling process, (iii) a preliminary approach for addressing the problems associated with multiple levels of abstraction, (iv) the conceptual architecture of a simulation modeling environment that implements the proposed approach, and (v) a summary of the research on questions of abstraction in simulation.