Continuous flow models: modeling, simulation and continuity properties

Abstract

The paper presents a generic modeling tool for networks of continuous flow models (CFMs). The elemental building block, called the basic CFM, can be used in the modeling, simulation and sample path analysis of a large class of flow networks. Under certain conditions it constitutes a discrete event dynamic system (DEDS); for simulation thereof there exists a Lindley-like equation. Following the presentation of the basic CFM as a general modeling device, the paper discusses some continuity properties of the attendant flow processes, and points out the possible unbiasedness of LPA for various performance measures.