Learning Petri Net Dynamics through a Matlab Web Interface

Modelling and simulation are two promising methodologies in attempts to manage the ever increasing complexity of modern technical systems. The knowledge of the inherent continuous and discrete-event dynamics of systems improves the understanding of systems operation and provides the base for designing management and control strategies. Modelling and simulation are therefore vital components of engineering and other technology related curricula. Petri nets are suitable for modelling of discrete-event systems with highly parallel and cooperating activities. Teaching of Petri net basics can contribute to understanding of discrete-event dynamics through a well defined framework supported by formal analysis techniques. As such it is an important part of courses on modelling and simulation. The paper presents an approach to teach basics of Petri net dynamics and related analysis techniques by the help of an object oriented Mat lab m-script based Petri net tool, which was developed to implement Petri net examples within MMT-server e-learning environment. The tool structure is briefly described, a learning process proposal is presented, and an overview of basic examples on Petri net dynamics and analysis is provided.