A framework for developing and managing objects in a complex simulation system
James D. Barrett · 1997
The Integrated Supportability Analysis and Cost System (ISACS+) Operation and Support (O&S) Simulator is a flexible, object-oriented software tool that simulates the operation and support environment for a fleet of aircraft and engines.The model is written in C++ and runs from pre-processed flat files generated from any SQL database, making it both portable and databaseindependent.Originally developed for General Electric Aircraft Engines (GEAE), ISACS+ is currently being rehosted and extended under a Space Act Agreement between GEAE and NASA Lewis Research Center.This paper describes a process that begins with objects of interest to a simulation model and imposes order on those objects by defining interactions between the objects and services required to support those interactions.The result of this process is an object framework.An object framework can itself become an object within a greater object framework.For example, a simulation module is an object framework imposing order on the objects it controls.This module can, in turn, be treated as an object in a larger application that provides not just simulation capability, but other capabilities as well (e.g., reporting, database management).Based on the ISACS+ development team's experience, object frameworks provide a useful means of managing complexity in a large simulation model.