Automatic model synthesis: using automatic programming and expert systems techniques toward simulation modeling

A Knowledge-Based Model Construction (KBMC) system is described which has been developed to automate the model construction phase of the simulation life-cycle. The system utilizes a knowledge-based approach to automatic programming to build a simulation model and extends the knowledge-based approach to include model specification acquisition. The system's underlying rule base, implemented in the production system paradigm of OPS83, incorporates several types of knowledge. Domain knowledge is used in conjunction with simulation modeling knowledge to facilitate a structured interactive dialog for the acquisition of a complete model specification from a user. Modeling knowledge and target language (SIMAN) knowledge are then used to automatically construct an executable discrete simulation model from this specification. This paper presents an overview of the KBMC system and focuses on various issues involved in the conceptualization and implementation of such a system.

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