Features of a general continuous systems network simulator

• Authors: Walter L. Whipple
• Venue: ACM SIGSIM Simulation Digest
• Year: 1972

In the last few years, a large number of simulation programs has been developed for the solution of specialized problems. These programs differ in a number of respects, but the most important reason for their development seems to be an unwillingness to use a tool which does not use input-output forms which are familiar to the user. Of course, the algorithms and problem formulations also differ, but it is not obvious to the author that there is any reason why different algorithms would be necessary for electrical and electronic circuits analysis, for example. Many simulation studies need a network analysis capability whether the investigation involves electronics, structures, thermodynamics, or industrial dynamics. Yet no general purpose simulation language seems to provide the capability with sufficient flexibility to replace the many special purpose programs now being used. It is the thesis of this paper that such a general purpose simulator is feasible and desirable.