Enhancing System Dynamics Modeling Using a Component-based Approach

An approach using component technology for the development of System Dynamics models is introduced. At first a brief introduction of System Dynamics, its modeling perspective and its modeling elements is given. The representation of System Dynamics models in Vensim, an interactive software environment for the handling of such models, is described. On this basis the paper provides an approach for component development and model composition. The approach builds upon a conceptual framework that is basic and independent from any problem or domain specific context. An example depicts the appliance of the approach to a given problem domain and explains the usage of domain specific model design patterns and components. Finally a prototype system to support component-based modeling is described and the advantages that component technology brings to System Dynamics modeling are pointed out.