Extending Object-Oriented Design for Physical Modeling

When we build simulation models and construct dynamical models for physical systems, we often do not do so using a clear overall framework that organizes our geometry, dynamics and models. How do geometry and dynamics intertwine to effect system change over multiple abstraction levels? We present a methodology, called object-oriented physical modeling (OOPM), which builds on the currently accepted computer science approach in object-oriented program design. This type of modeling injects a way of incorporating geometry and dynamics into general object-oriented design. Moreover, we present an approach to dynamical modeling that mirrors major categories of computer programming languages, thereby achieving a definition of system modeling that reinforces the relation of model to program. 1 Introduction Simulation is divided into three areas: 1) model design, 2) model execution, and 3) execution analysis shown in Fig. 1. Modeling is the process of abstracting real world behavior into a mor..