Introduction

• Description of discrete system:
  • lots of mathematical models, e.g.
    • finite state machine
    • non-deterministic finite automaton
    • generalized semi-Markov process
    • PDEVS
  • in practice
    • in graphical form inside a simulation program
      "the thing I've clicked together in my simulation program"
    • meaning depends on program interna
    • is not explicitly given or even known by modeler
    • may change between program versions
• Advantages of mathematical models:
  • complete and precise specification
  • structural insights by mathematical analysis
  • easier to build in a concrete simulation environment (really!)