Ernest H. Page

Observations on the complexity of composable simulation

We consider the issue of composability as a design principle for simulation. While component based modeling is believed to potentially reduce the complexities of the modeling task, we describe a few of the complexities introduced through composability. We observe that these complexities might tend to offset the benefits of component based modeling on a large scale.

Web-based simulation: revolution or evolution?

The nature of the emerging field of web-based simulation is examined in terms of its relationship to the fundamental aspects of simulation research and practice. The presentation, assuming a form of debate, is based on a panel session held at the first International Conference on Web-Based Modeling and Simulation, which was sponsored by the Society for Computer Simulation during 11-14 January 1998 in San Diego, California. While no clear “winner” is evident in this debate, the issues raised here certainly merit ongoing attention and contemplation.

Introduction to military training simulation: a guide for discrete event simulationists

An overview of military training simulation in the form of an introductory tutorial is provided. Basic terminology is introduced, and current trends and research focus in the military training simulation domain are described.

Web-based simulation in Simjava using remote method invocation

An investigation is underway regarding technologies to support the design, development and use of distributed, web-based simulations. As part of this investigation the Simjava simulation-support package has been extended to utilize the Remote Method Invocation facilities of the Java Development Kit (JDK) 1.1. Current efforts with Simjava are described and future research directions are outlined.

The rise of Web-based simulation: implications for the high level architecture

The relationship between the High Level Architecture and Web-based simulation is discussed. The notion of interoperability is suggested as a binding force between these initiatives. The question is posed whether the HLA could serve as an interoperability technology for the commercial and academic sectors in the age of Web-based simulation. Using the development and adoption of parallel discrete event simulation technologies as a case study, some of the potential barriers to DoD technology transfer are illustrated, and mechanisms through which these barriers may be overcome are suggested.

A case study of verification, validation, and accreditation for advanced distributed simulation

The techniques and methodologies for verification and validation of software-based systems have arguably realized their greatest utility within the context of simulation. Advanced Distributed Simulation (ADS), a major initiative within the defense modeling and simulation community, presents a variety of challenges to the classical approaches. A case study of the development process and concomitant verification and validation activities for the Joint Training Confederation (JTC) is presented. The JTC is one of the largest current ADS efforts, and the primary application of the Aggregate Level Simulation Protocol. A dichotomy between classical verification and validation approaches and the requirements of a prototypical ADS environment is illustrated. Mechanisms and research directions to resolve these differences are briefly discussed.

Model generation issues in a simulation support environment

The Simulation Model Development Environments (SMDE) project has been developing an environment that can be characterized as a simulation support environment or a computer-aided simulation engineering environment. The SMDE project has addressed the problem of prototyping a domain-independent discrete-event simulation support environment to provide a comprehensive and integrated collection of computer-based tools to (1) offer cost-effective, integrated and automated support of model development throughout the entire model life cycle; (2) improve the model quality by assisting in the quality assurance of the model; (3) significantly increase the efficiency and productivity of the project teams; and (4) substantially decrease the model development time. Prototyping techniques have been used to develop the prototypes of SMDE tools on a Sun 3/160 workstation. The software tools of the environment are briefly described. Issues in developing the Model Generator, the tool with which a modeler creates a simulation model specification under a conceptual framework, are presented.<<ETX>>

Panel: strategic directions in simulation research

The future directions of simulation research are analysed. The formulation of such a vision could provide valuable guidance and assistance with respect to decisions involving the generation and allocation of future research funding. The article addresses problems involving: (1) the size and complexity of models; (2) verification, validation and accreditation; (3) the modeling methodological and model execution implications of parallel and distributed simulation; (4) the centrality of modeling to the discipline of computer science; and (5) random number generation and execution efficiency improvements through quasi-Monte Carlo, and variance reduction.

Investigating the application of web-based simulation principles within the architecture for a next-generation computer generated forces model

With a heavy emphasis on distribution and reuse, web-based simulation portends a dramatic shift in the application of simulation as a problem-solving technique and decision-support tool. Next-generation simulation systems of all kinds should be evaluated and constructed with an appreciation of the potential paradigm shift that web-based simulation represents. Fiscal constraints indicate that next-generation computer generated forces (CGF) models will be used to support a wide range of missions, unifying|and replacing|a variety of CGF systems currently in existence. We describe the evolution of web-based simulation and derive a collection of modeling principles that characterize our vision of the web-based simulation future. We examine these principles in terms of their implications for next-generation CGF systems.

Panel on grand challenges for modeling and simulation

It has been a decade since the Workshop on Grand Challenge for Modeling & Simulation (M&S) was held at Dagstuhl in Germany (www.dagstuhl.de/02351). Grand challenges provide a critical focal point for research and development and can potentially create the critical mass needed to bring substantial transformation and benefit to a community. The Workshop addressed a wide variety of M&S theoretical, methodological and technological issues across many application areas. This Panel reflects on progress made since the Workshop, new Grand Challenges that have emerged over the past ten years and key M&S milestones for the next decade.