Digital simulation of discrete flow systems0

The discrete flow systems discussed are characterized by the movement of randomly arriving items along interacting channels. Programming a digital computer to simulate such systems utilizes some techniques not common in other approaches to physical problems. The principal portion of the paper is a discussion of two simulation studies that illustrate some of the programming problems involved. One is of an extensive package-handling plant, with the objective being optimization of parameters such as storage capacities and processing rates. In the other, air traffic flow and control procedures are simulated to compare the effects of alternative control decisions.

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