Integrating Continuous and Discrete Models with Object Oriented Physical Modeling

When we build simulation models and construct dy-namical models for physical systems, we often do not do so using a clear overall framework that organizes our geometry, dynamics and models. How do geometry and dynamics intertwine to eeect system change over multiple abstraction levels? We present a methodology , called object-oriented physical modeling (OOPM), which builds on the currently accepted computer science approach in object-oriented program design. This type of modeling injects a way of incorporating geometry and dynamics into general object-oriented design. Moreover, we present an approach to dynamical modeling that mirrors major categories of computer programming languages, thereby achieving a deeni-tion of system modeling that reinforces the relation of model to program.