Knowledge-based simulation at RAND

Abstract

The current object-oriented simulation paradigm is a powerful discrete-state modeling technique that allows modelers to encapsulate the definitions of objects while allowing users to view models at meaningful levels. Yet object-oriented simulation has many limitations, notably its inability to answer questions that go beyond the "What if...?" analysis that is the traditional domain of simulation. The following describes ongoing research by the Knowledge-Based Simulation project (KBSim) at RAND to extend object-oriented simulation in fundamental ways.