An application of object-oriented programming to process simulation

Conference · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1988

OSTI ID:7131584

Robinson, J T; Otaduy, P J

This paper discusses the application of object-oriented programming to dynamic simulation of continuous processes. Processes may be modeled using this technique as a collection of objects which communicate with each other via message passing. Arriving messages invoke methods that describe the state and/or dynamic behavior of the receiving object. The objects fall into four broad categories actual plant components such as pumps, pipes, and tanks, abstract objects such as heat sources and conductors, plant systems such as flow loops, and simulation control and interface objects. This technique differs from traditional approaches to process simulation, in which the process is represented by either a system of differential equations or a block diagram of mathematical operators. The use of objects minimizes the representational gap between the model and actual process. From the users point of view, construction of a simulation model becomes equivalent to drawing a plant schematic. As an example application, a package developed for the simulation of nuclear power plants is described. The package allows users to build simulation models by selecting iconic representations of plant components from a menu and connecting them with a mouse. Objects for generating a mathematical model of the system and for controlling the simulation are automatically generated, freeing the user to concentrate on describing his process. This example illustrates the use of object-oriented programming to create a highly interactive and automated simulation environment. 2 figs

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 7131584
• Report Number(s): CONF-880850-8; ON: DE88015560; TRN: 88-029994
• Resource Relation: Conference: American Institute of Chemical Engineers summer national meeting, Denver, CO, USA, 21 Aug 1988; Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS//MATHEMATICS, COMPUTING, AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
PROGRAMMING
COMPUTER GRAPHICS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
USES
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
POWER PLANTS
SIMULATION
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
220400* - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Control Systems
990220 - Computers
Computerized Models
& Computer Programs- (1987-1989)