Simulation Applications in the Automotive Industry

Simulation analyses subdivide themselves conveniently into two major categories: discrete-event simulation and continuous simulation (Zeigler, Praehofer, and Kim 2000). Continuous simulation studies processes amenable to analysis using differential and difference equations, such as stability of ecological systems, chemical synthesis, oil refining, and aerodynamic design. Discrete-event simulation studies processes in which many of the most important variables are integer values, and hence not amenable to examination by continuous equations. Such processes almost invariably involve queuing, and the variables of high interest include current and maximum queue lengths, number of items in inventory, and number of items processed by the system. Many of the integer values are binary; for example, a machine is in working order or down, a worker is present or absent, a freight elevator is occupied or vacant. Processes with these characteristics are common in manufacturing, warehousing, transport, health care, retailing, and service industries.