A global approach for discrete rate simulation

Before the introduction of discrete rate simulation (DRS), simulating mixed continuous and discrete event (hybrid) systems presented unique challenges that existing simulation methodologies were not suited or adaptable enough to solve. In the 1990´s a new simulation methodology, discrete rate simulation, was developed to address those issues. The most challenging aspect of discrete rate simulation is to accurately calculate the movement of material (“flow”) over a wide range of simulated systems. To calculate flow rates, the first generation DRS technology used an iterative algorithm based on the propagation of potential rates. The iterative approach failed to provide an accurate calculation of flow for many DRS models, limiting the use of this technology to a small range of real world problems. Discussed here is how the second generation DRS technology uses a global oversight approach to model the full range of DRS systems and resolve the issues associated with earlier methods.