GSL - a combined continuous and discrete simulation language

Abstract

GSL is a FORTRAN-oriented language which combines the activity and process concepts of a discrete simula tion language with continuous simulation concepts, thereby permitting the simulation of systems which call for combining continuous and discrete simula tion techniques. The basic structural component of GSL is the simulation block, which corresponds either to an activity of a discrete system or a dynamic re gion of a continuous system. Both discrete and con tinuous simulation blocks may have multiple process instances which may be controlled dynamically at run- time. The result is a combined language which re tains the features of both continuous and discrete simulation languages and moreover takes advantage of the desirable features of each to supplement the other. GSL syntax is described by examples which illustrate the application of the language in a typical combined simulation problem and permit the evaluation of the various features of the language.