A distributed multi-formalism simulation to support rail infrastructure control design

In this study we use simulation as a method of inquiry to support rail infrastructure control designers in making more effective decisions during the design process. Limitations encountered in commercial simulation tools when modeling rail system elements, are related to the choice of just one formalism (discrete or continuous) to model the element behavior. When supporting the design of rail system control, rail controllers and rail control designers might be in different locations. Therefore distribution of the simulation model is a required feature which is usually not possible in current simulation environments. In order to more accurately represent rail systems behavior and improve the effectiveness of control design, we propose a simulation library where different formalisms can be integrated in one single model and where simulation components are accessible by users in different locations.