A framework for highly reusable simulation modeling: separating physical, information, and control elements

This paper presents a conceptual framework for simulation modeling which emphasizes model reusability. Reusability is achieved through the provision of separate modeling constructs for physical, information, and control/decision elements of a system. These constructs contribute to a modular environment in which the modeling elements, once created, can be stored in a modeling database and retrieved. While this framework can be implemented within traditional simulation modeling environments, an object oriented modeling environment appears to offer a potentially superior approach