A DSM-based multi-paradigm simulation modeling approach for complex systems

Complex systems contain hierarchical heterogeneous subsystems and diverse domain behavior patterns, which bring a grand challenge for simulation modeling. To cope with this challenge, the M&S community extends their existing modeling paradigms to promote reusability, interoperability and composability of simulation models and systems; however, these efforts are relatively isolated and limited to their own technical space. In this paper, we propose a domain specific modeling (DSM)-based multi-paradigm modeling approach which utilizes model driven engineering techniques to integrate current M&S paradigms and promote formal and automated model development. This approach constructs a simulation model framework to architect the structure of the overall simulation system and combines multiple M&S formalisms to describe the diverse domain behaviors; moreover, it provides domain specific language and environment support for conceptual modeling based on the model framework and formalisms. An application example on combat system effectiveness simulation illustrates the applicability of the approach.