Validating discrete event simulations using event pattern mappings

Abstract

The authors introduce a new concept for the validation of discrete event simulations, based on recursively detecting and naming patterns of events. In this methodology, simulation results are presented as a small set of easy-to-understand high-level events. This hierarchical presentation of simulation results greatly reduces the designer's work in browsing through simulation results and detecting errors. Language constructs are introduced for defining event patterns that are VAL+ mappings. A software tool based on mappings is described and results of using the debugger on three large examples are included.<>