Concepts and architecture of a simulation framework based on the JavaBeanscomponent model

We report on a combination of system theoretic simulation modeling methodol ogy with the JavaBeans component model as a basis for a component-based sim ulation framework. While system theory formalisms can serve as formal, math ematical foundations for modular, hierarchical modeling and simulation, the JavaBeans component model provides the appropriate implementation base. Th e result of the synergism is a powerful component-based simulation framewor k, In this paper we present the basic concepts and overall architecture of our JavaBeans modeling and simulation framework. We review the underlying s ystem modeling formalisms for simulation modeling, sketch the layered archi tecture of the framework, and show elementary simulation programming and in terface-based, hierarchical coupling of simulation components in more detai l. Finally, we show the current state of implementation and demonstrate how simulation models can be developed using standard bean builder tools. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.