Simulation of continuous behavior using discrete tools: Ore conveyor transport

The modeling of systems mixing discrete and continuous behavior is a challenge for model builders. Sometimes, the continuous part is important, but small near the complex decision making situation involved, and the requirement to learn new tools to model that continuous part is an obstacle that delays the project. This paper presents a technique to model continuous behavior using just discrete modeling elements. The technique was applied to model the conveyor network of a great steelmaking company in Brazil, and the results proved that this technique is valid.