Multimodels and dynamic structure models: an integration of DSDE/DEVS and OOPM

Constructing models of systems that change their structure over time has proved to be a challenging problem, with several proposed solutions. We present two of these approaches and discuss their integration. The parallel Dynamic Structure Discrete Event (DSDE) system specification is based on systems-theoretic concepts and provides a formal specification of variable structure models. Object-oriented physical modeling (OOPM) extends the design approaches of software engineering and employs both static and dynamic models to describe physical objects. OOPM is based on the multi-model concept to support adaptive structures. The integration is achieved by representing multi-models within the dynamic-structure Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) formalism. Since the latter has been implemented in HLA (High-Level Architecture) compliant form, the integration has the practical consequence that multi-models can be directly mapped into distributed simulations.