Also known as hybrid simulation, involves integrating different types of simulation methods to model complex systems more accurately and comprehensively
Combined simulation
Leverages the strengths of various simulation techniques, such as discrete-event simulation (DES), continuous simulation, and agent-based simulation (ABS), to capture the intricate dynamics of systems that may not be well-represented by a single method alone
Discrete-Event Simulation (DES)
Models systems where state changes occur at discrete points in time
Discrete-Event Simulation (DES)
Commonly used for queuing systems, manufacturing processes, and logistics
Continuous Simulation
Models systems with continuous state changes over time
Continuous Simulation
Often used for physical systems, chemical processes, and population dynamics
Agent-Based Simulation (ABS)
Models the interactions of autonomous agents with individual behaviors
Agent-Based Simulation (ABS)
Suitable for social systems, market dynamics, and biological systems
Benefits of Combined Simulation
EnhancedRealism: Combiningdifferentsimulation methods can more accurately capture the complexity of real-world systems
ComprehensiveAnalysis: Provides a holisticview by integrating various aspects of the system that might be overlooked in a single-method approach
Flexibility: Allows for the modeling of both macro-level (system-wide) and micro-level (individual components) behaviors
Applications of Combined Simulation
Healthcare Systems: Modeling patientflow in a hospital using DES for queuing and ABS for individualpatientbehaviors to optimize resource allocation and reduce wait times
ManufacturingandLogistics: Combining DES to model productionlines and continuous simulation for energyconsumptionanalysis, providing insights into both operational efficiency and sustainability
Urban Planning: Using ABS to simulate pedestrian and vehiclemovements, while employing continuous simulation to model environmental factors like air quality and noise levels
Epidemiology: Integrating continuoussimulation for diseasespreaddynamics with ABS to represent individualbehaviors and interventions, aiding in the development of effective public health strategies
Steps to Develop Combined Simulations
1. Define Objectives and Scope
2. Model Selection and Integration
3. Data Collection and Parameterization
4. Implementation
5. Validation and Verification
6. Experimentation and Analysis
Tools and Software for Combined Simulation
AnyLogic
Simul8
MATLAB/Simulink
NetLogo
Simulation results visualization
Transforming the raw output of simulations into graphical representations that are easier to understand and analyze
key concepts of visualization
Data Types
Time-Series Data
Spatial Data
Categorical Data
Quantitative Data
Visualization Goals
Exploratory Analysis
Explanatory Visualization
Comparative Analysis
Techniques for Visualization
Time-Series Visualizations: Line Charts, Area Charts, Bar Charts
Spatial Visualizations: Heat Maps, Choropleth Maps, 3D Surface Plots