Automated object-flow testing of dynamic process interaction models

This paper deals with the assessment of accuracy of simulation models from the perspective of dynamic object flows. Dynamic objects (also called temporary entities or transactions) move physically or logically from one model component to another and represent entities such as aircraft, data packets, passengers, and vehicles. Accurate flow (movement) of thousands or millions of dynamic objects within a complex simulation model significantly affects the overall model validity. We present a new automated testing technique for assessing the accuracy of dynamic object flows. The permissible sequence and precedence of dynamic object flows are specified using the context-free grammar formalism. The specification accuracy is assessed using a variety of verification and validation techniques. The executable model is instrumented and dynamic object flow trace data is generated. The trace data is automatically compared with respect to the specification and each dynamic object movement traced during model execution is automatically verified