Algebra and logic for resource-based systems modelling

Abstract

Mathematical modelling is one of the fundamental tools of science and engineering. Very often, models are required to be executable, as a simulation, on a computer. In this paper, we present some contributions to the process-theoretic and logical foundations of discrete-event modelling with resources and processes. We present a process calculus with an explicit representation of resources in which processes and resources co-evolve. The calculus is closely connected to a logic that may be used as a specification language for properties of models. The logic is strong enough to allow requirements that a system has a certain structure: for example, that it is a parallel composite of subsystems. This work consolidates, extends and improves upon aspects of earlier work of ours in this area. An extended example, consisting of a semantics for a simple parallel programming language, indicates a connection with separating logics for concurrency.