Comparison of discrete rate modeling and discrete event simulation. Methodological and performance aspects

Abstract

The best known modeling approaches used in the simulation are discrete event simulation (DES) and system dynamics (SD). Discrete rate modeling (DRM) has been proposed by the Extendsim software manufacturer and combines both approaches but also provides new opportunities. The purpose of the paper is to compare implementation issues in DRM and DES approaches. The first part presents the use of the simulation package Extendsim for all approaches. The next part presents the assumptions of several models developed to compare the elements of methodology for discrete event modeling and discrete rate modeling. The one source and one-way structure as well as structures with many sources, streams and discrete attributes in both approach were proposed. The results of models were experimentally evaluated and discussed. Performances of approaches were compared. We pointed out the benefits of the DRM approach. DRM is particularly useful in high-intensity input streams.