Describing the HLA using the DFSS formalism

Abstract

The High Level Architecture (HLA) is a standard for enabling the interoperability of simulation systems in a distributed computer environment. The HLA has been established by the US/DMSO and it is aimed to promote the communication among complex simulators. In this paper, we present a formal representation of the modeling aspects of the HLA using the Discrete Flow System Specification (DFSS), a modeling formalism aimed to represent dynamic structure systems. The HLA has introduced concepts not typically used in the modeling and simulation field. A formal representation of the HLA permits its description using standard constructs, making the HLA more easily intelligible by a larger community of users. A formal description also permits to highlight the current limitations of the HLA when compared with a more complete formal framework like the DFSS formalism that supports a wider range of dynamic structure systems. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.