Validating discrete event simulations using event pattern mappings

The authors introduce a new concept for the validation of discrete event simulations, based on recursively detecting and naming patterns of events. In this methodology, simulation results are presented as a small set of easy-to-understand high-level events. This hierarchical presentation of simulation results greatly reduces the designer´s work in browsing through simulation results and detecting errors. Language constructs are introduced for defining event patterns that are VAL+ mappings. A software tool based on mappings is described and results of using the debugger on three large examples are included