Discrete vs. continuous-SD0046

[gallaher@teleport.com (Ed Gallah]

>As I understand it, the fundamental difference between discrete and
>continuous has to do with how the simulation schedules its run.
>Does this help?

Actually, not too much. Reverting to my dyed-in-the-wool applied
perspective, I believe it would be more useful to describe -problems- which
are continuous or discrete in nature, and then worry about how to simulate
them.

For example, bank customers are discrete entities that take up a finite
(although variable) amount of time with a bank teller, another discrete
entity. A machine tool is a discrete entity that works on one part at a
time.

Water flowing out of a barrel is a continuous process. (Unless you are
trying to count water molecules.)

Rabbits are discrete entities. However, if the number becomes large enough
(e.g. thousands?), the population of rabbits can be treated as a continuous
function.

Given this superficial initial treatment, now we begin to ask what is the
best way to model each of these situations.

ed gallaher
gallaher@teleport.com