Improved event-scanning mechanisms for discrete event simulation

ABSTRACT

Simulation models of large, complex “real-world” applications have occasionally earned the reputation of eating up hours of computer time. This problem may be attributed in part to difficulties such as slow stochastic convergence. However, an additional problem lies in the fact that a significant amount of bookkeeping time is required to keep future events in their proper sequence. This paper presents a method for significantly reducing the time spent scanning future events lists in discrete event simulations. Three models are presented, all of which improve in effectiveness as the events-list scan problem becomes more burdensome.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.6 SIMULATION AND MODELING
      I.6.8 Types of Simulation
          Subjects: Discrete event

Additional Classification:
  F. Theory of Computation
  F.2 ANALYSIS OF ALGORITHMS AND PROBLEM COMPLEXITY
      F.2.2 Nonnumerical Algorithms and Problems
          Subjects: Sequencing and scheduling

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.6 SIMULATION AND MODELING

Keywords:
discrete event simulation, event scanning mechanisms, simulation