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Lab Manual

ENGINEERING SYSTEM MODELLING &


SIMULATION LAB
ETME-452

Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering


Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology
List of Experiments as per University
Syllabus:

A. System Simulation:
The students are exposed to Arena simulation software like Arena:
1. Study modelling environment;
2. Study basic process panel;
3. Study basic process panel - more;
4. Study advanced process panel;

B. Mechanical Event Simulation:


The students are exposed to simulating in PROE CAD software in this lab
1. Study assembly module on CAD software;
2. Simulate movement of cam and follower mechanism on CAD software.
3. Simulation of Spring Mass Damper System and do dynamic analysis on CAD
software.
4. Perform FEM Analysis (using a simple 3D tetrahedron element) on a Simple
model with pressure loading and surface constraints;
List of Experiments beyond Curricula:

A. System Simulation:
a. Study advanced process panel - more;
b. Study flow process panel;
c. Study flow process panel- more;

B. Mechanical Event Simulation:


a. Perform stress analysis of rectangular L bracket using Pro E / any other
software and do global sensitivity analysis.
List of Softwares:
1. Arena Simulation By Rockwell Simulation
2. ProE
SIMULATION WITH ARENA
UNDERSTANDING THE CONCEPT
Simulation

• Simulation is a numerical technique for conducting experiments on a digital computer,


which involves logical and mathematical relationships that interact to describe the
behavior and structure of a complex real world system over extended periods of time.
• Simulation refers to a broad collection of methods and application to mimic the behavior
of real system usually on a computer with appropriate software.

What is being modeled

• A manufacturing plant
• A bank with different kinds of customers, servers, etc.
• A distribution network of plants, warehouses and transportation links
• An emergency facility in a hospital

Simulation languages

• GPSS, SIMSCRIPT, SLAM AND SIMAN

• Arena is based on the SIMAN simulation language

• Arena combines modules to build a fairly wide variety of simulation models.

Different kinds of simulations

• STATIC VS DYNAMIC –Time doesn’t play a natural role in static model but does in dynamic
models.

• Manufacturing system model describes dynamic model and Arena is primarily focus
on such models.

Continuous vs Discrete
• In Continuous model state of the system can change continuously over time.
E.g. Levels of a water reservoir falls due to evaporation occur.

• In a Discrete model change can occur only at separated points in time.


E.g. A manufacturing system with parts arriving and leaving at specific time

• Arena is mostly focused in discrete models.

Deterministic vs stochastic

• Model that have no random input are deterministic.


E.g. Strict appointment-book with fixed service time

• Stochastic models operate with at least some inputs being random.

E.g. A bank with randomly arriving customer requiring varying service times

General-Purpose Languages, Simulation Languages and High-Level Simulators

General-Purpose Languages:
 Highly customizable and flexible
 But painfully tedious and error prone

Simulation Languages:
 Provide much better framework
 Still have to invest a bit of time to learn about their features and how to use them
effectively

High-Level Simulators:
 Very easy to use
 Operate by intuitive graphical user interface, menus and dialogs
 Select from available simulation-modeling constructs, connect them, and run the model
 Dynamic graphical animation of system components as they move around and change
 Domains of many simulators are rather restricted (like manufacturing or communication)
 Generally not flexible
Performance measures
 Total production
 Average waiting time in queue
 Maximum waiting time in queue
 Time-average number of parts waiting in the queue
 Maximum number of parts that were ever waiting in the queue
 Average and maximum total time in system
 Utilization of resources

PIECES OF A SIMULATION MODEL


Entities:

 The dynamic objects in the simulation that move around, change status, affect and are
affected by other entities and the state of the system, and affect the output performance.
 They usually are created, move around for a while and then are disposed (leave)
E.g. parts to be processed, customers in a banking system, etc
Resources
 Entities often take the service from resources.
 An entity seizes a resource when available and releases it.
E.g. Machines, Server
Attributes
 Attributes are generally attached to individual entities
E.g. Part entities have attributes called due date, priority, colour, etc.
(Global) Variables
 A piece of information that reflects some characteristic of your system, regardless of how
many or what kinds of entities might be around
 Many different variables are possible in a model
 In Arena there are two types of variables:
 Built-in variables (number-in queue, number of busy servers, current simulation clock
time, and so on)
 User-defined variables (mean service time, travel time, current shift, and so on)
Statistical Accumulators
 To get the final output performance measures, it is necessary to keep track of the
variables as the simulation progress and such variables are called statistical accumulators
 Arena take care of most of the statistical accumulation
Event
 Something that happen at an instant of time that might change attributes, variables or
statistical accumulators
E.g. Arrival – A new part enters the system,
Departure – A part finishes its operations (service) and leaves the system
Queues
 When an entity can’t move on (due to unavailability of resource) it needs a place to wait,
which is the purpose of a queue.
Simulation Clock
 Current value of time in the simulation held in a variable is called the simulation clock
 Simulation clock and event calendar are the important pieces of any dynamic simulation
Starting and Stopping
 Starting and stopping conditions should be specified
 It is important to think about these conditions and make these conditions consistent with
what you are modeling
 You may have to think about whether it should stop at a particular time or it should stop
when something specific happens (like as soon as 100 finished parts produced when a
production shop is simulated)
Replication
 Each run starts and stops according to the same rule and uses same input parameter
setting (statistically identical) but use separate random numbers (independent)
EXPERIMENT-1
AIM: Study modelling environment of Arena Software

STUDY:
ARENA WINDOW

Arena Software

Arena software enables you to bring the power of modeling and simulation to your business. It is
designed for analyzing the impact of changes involving significant and complex redesigns
associated with supply chain, manufacturing, processes, logistics, distribution and warehousing, and
service systems. Arena software provides the maximum flexibility and breadth of application
coverage to model any desired level of detail and complexity.

While you may not realize it quite yet, you now have the power to transform your business.
Whenever you and others in your organization are wondering “what if…?,” you can look into the
future to find the answer.

With Arena, you can:

Model: Model your processes to define, document, and communicate.


Simulate: Simulate the future performance of your system to understand complex relationships and
identify opportunities for improvement.

Visualize: Visualize your operations with dynamic animation graphics.

Analyze: Analyze how your system will perform in its “as-is” configuration and under a myriad of
possible “to-be” alternatives so that you can confidently choose the best way to run your business.

The Arena modeling environment

If Arena is not already running, start it from the Windows Start menu and navigate to Programs >
Rockwell Software > Arena. The Arena modeling environment will open with a new model
window, as shown below.

To model your process in Arena, you’ll work in three main regions of the application window. The
Project Bar hosts panels with the primary types of objects that you will work with:

Basic Process, Advanced Process, and Advanced Transfer panels: Contain the modeling shapes,
called modules that you’ll use to define your process.

Reports panel: Contains the reports that are available for displaying results of simulation runs.

Navigate panel: Allows you to display different views of your model, including navigating through
hierarchical submodels and displaying a model thumbnail view.

In the model window, there are two main regions. The flowchart view will contain all of your model
graphics, including the process flowchart, animation, and other drawing elements. The lower,
spreadsheet view displays model data, such as times, costs, and other parameters.
Map your process in a flowchart

Build a flowchart: The word itself— flowchart—suggests two of the main concepts behind
modeling and simulation. We’ll be building a chart—also referred to as a process map or a model—
that describes a flow.

We’ll start the flowchart using a Create module, from the Basic Process panel. This is the starting
point for the flow of entities through the model.
1. Drag the Create module from the Basic Process panel into the model window.

Process the applications


Next in our flowchart is a Process module, from the Basic Process panel, representing the Review
Application step.

1. So that Arena will automatically connect the Process to the Create module, be sure that the
Create module is selected.
2. Drag a Process module from the Basic Process panel into the model window, placing it to
the right of the Create. Arena will automatically connect the two modules.
Decide whether applications are complete
After the Process, we have a Decide module, from the Basic Process panel.
Drag a Decide module to the right of the Process module.

Dispose the applications to terminate the process


Next we’ll place the Dispose module, from the Basic Process panel, representing accepted
applications, connecting to the True (right) output from the Decide shape.
1. Select the Decide shape so that our first Dispose will be connected automatically.
2. Drag a Dispose module to the right of the Decide module. Arena will connect it to the primary
(True) exit point of the Decide module. (We won’t include a graphic display since you’re now
familiar with the drag-and-drop sequence.)

Module
In Arena, modules are the flowchart and data objects that define the process to be simulated. All
information required to simulate a process is stored in modules.
For now, we’re working with flowchart modules—those that are placed in the model window to
describe the process. In the Basic Process panel, these are the first eight shapes:

Create: The start of process flow. Entities enter the simulation here.
Dispose: The end of process flow. Entities are removed from the simulation here.
Process: An activity, usually performed by one or more resources and requiring some time to
complete.
Decide: A branch in process flow. Only one branch is taken.
Batch: Collect a number of entities before they can continue processing.
Separate: Duplicate entities for concurrent or parallel processing, or separating a previously
established batch of entities.
Assign: Change the value of some parameter (during the simulation), such as the entity’s type or a
model variable.
Record: Collect a statistic, such as an entity count or cycle time.
EXPERIMENT-2
AIM: Study basic process panel of Arena Software

STUDY: Basic Process Panel includes the flowchart modules to model the process in
simulation environment.

Flowchart modules:

Flowchart modules are the set of objects that are placed in the model window to
describe the simulation process.

Flowchart modules includes


a. Create
b. Dispose
c. Process
d. Decide
e. Batch
f. Separate
g. Assign
h. Record
Create module

DESCRIPTION

This module is intended as the starting point for entities in a simulation model.
Entities are created using a schedule or based on a time between arrivals. Entities
then leave the module to begin processing through the system. The entity type is
specified in this module.

TYPICAL USES

• The start of a part’s production in a manufacturing line

• A document’s arrival (e.g., order, check, application) into a business process

• A customer’s arrival at a service process (e.g., retail store, restaurant,


information desk)

Number of entities created


Dispose module

DESCRIPTION

This module is intended as the ending point for entities in a simulation model. Entity
statistics may be recorded before the entity is disposed.

TYPICAL USES

• Parts leaving the modeled facility

• The termination of a business process

• Customers departing the store

Number of entities that have been disposed


Process module

DESCRIPTION

This module is intended as the main processing method in the simulation. Options for
seizing and releasing resource constraints are available. Additionally, there is the
option to use a “submodel” and specify hierarchical user-defined logic. The process
time is allo- cated to the entity and may be considered to be value added, non-value
added, transfer, wait, or other. The associated cost will be added to the appropriate
category.

TYPICAL USES

• Machining a part

• Reviewing a document for completeness

• Fulfilling orders

• Serving a customer

Indicator of a submodel process

Number of entities currently in process


Decide module

DESCRIPTION

This module allows for decision-making processes in the system. It includes options
to make decisions based on one or more conditions (e.g., if entity type is Gold Card)
or based on one or more probabilities (e.g., 75%, true; 25%, false). Conditions can be
based on attribute values (e.g., Priority), variable values (e.g., Number Denied), the
entity type, or an expression (e.g., NQ(ProcessA.Queue)).

There are two exit points out of the Decide module when its specified type is either
2-way by Chance or 2-way by Condition. There is one exit point for “true” entities
and one for “false” entities. When the N-way by Chance or by Condition type is
specified, multiple exit points are shown for each condition or probability and a
single “else” exit. The number of entities that exit from each type (true/false) is
displayed for 2-way by Chance or by Condition modules only.

TYPICAL USES

• Dispatching a faulty part for rework

• Branching accepted vs. rejected checks

Sending priority customers to a dedicated process

Number of entities that have taken the True branch

Number of entities that have taken the False branch


Batch module:

DESCRIPTION

This module is intended as the grouping mechanism within the simulation model.
Batches can be permanently or temporarily grouped. Temporary batches must later
be split using the Separate module.

Batches may be made with any specified number of entering entities or may be
matched together based on an attribute. Entities arriving at the Batch module are
placed in a queue until the required number of entities has accumulated. Once
accumulated, a new representative entity is created.

TYPICAL USES

• Collect a number of parts before starting processing

• Reassemble previously separated copies of a form

• Bring together a patient and his record before


commencing an appointment

Number of entities waiting to be batched


Separate module

DESCRIPTION

This module can be used to either copy an incoming entity into multiple entities or to
split a previously batched entity. Rules for allocating costs and times to the duplicate
are also specified. Rules for attribute assignment to member entities are specified as
well.

When splitting existing batches, the temporary representative entity that was formed
is disposed and the original entities that formed the group are recovered. The entities
pro- ceed sequentially from the module in the same order in which they originally
were added to the batch.

When duplicating entities, the specified number of copies is made and sent from the
module. The original incoming entity also leaves the module.

TYPICAL USES

• Send individual entities to represent boxes removed from a container

• Send an order both to fulfillment and billing for parallel processing

Separate a previously batched set of documents

The original leaves on this branch

Duplicates leave on this branch


Assign module

DESCRIPTION

This module is used for assigning new values to variables, entity attributes, entity
types, entity pictures, or other system variables. Multiple assignments can be made
with a single Assign module.

TYPICAL USES

• Accumulate the number of subassemblies added to a part

• Change an entity’s type to represent the customer copy of


a multi-page form

• Establish a customer’s priority


Record module

DESCRIPTION

This module is used to collect statistics in the simulation model. Various types of
observa- tional statistics are available, including time between exits through the
module, entity statistics (time, costing, etc.), general observations, and interval
statistics (from some time stamp to the current simulation time). A count type of
statistic is available as well. Tally and Counter sets can also be specified.

TYPICAL USES

• Collect the number of jobs completed each hour

• Count how many orders have been late being fulfilled

Record the time spent by priority customers in the main check-out line
EXPERIMENT-3
AIM: Study basic process panel - more of Arena Software

STUDY: Basic Process Panel - more includes the Data modules to model the process
in simulation environment with extra features.

Data modules are the set of objects in the spreadsheet view of the model that define
the characteristics of various process elements, such as resources and queues. Data
modules includes:

a. Entity
b. Queue
c. Resource
d. Variable
e. Schedule
f. Set

Entity module

DESCRIPTION

This data module defines the various entity types and their initial picture values in a
simulation. Initial costing information and holding costs are also defined for the
entity.

TYPICAL USES

• Items being produced or assembled (parts, pallets)

• Documents (forms, e-mails, faxes, reports)

• People moving through a process (customers, callers)


Queue module

DESCRIPTION

This data module may be utilized to change the ranking rule for a specified queue.
The default ranking rule for all queues is First In, First Out unless otherwise specified
in this module. There is an additional field that allows the queue to be defined as
shared.

TYPICAL USES

• Stack of work waiting for a resource at a Process module

• Holding area for documents waiting to be collated at a


Batch module

Resource module

DESCRIPTION

This data module defines the resources in the simulation system, including costing
infor- mation and resource availability. Resources may have a fixed capacity that
does not vary over the simulation run or may operate based on a schedule. Resource
failures and states can also be specified in this module.

TYPICAL USES

• Equipment (machinery, cash register, phone line)

• People (clerical, order processing, sales clerks, operators)


3 • Basic Process
Variable module

DESCRIPTION

This data module is used to define a variable’s dimension and initial value(s).
Variables can be referenced in other modules (e.g., the Decide module), can be
reassigned a new value with the Assign module, and can be used in any expression.

There are three methods for manually editing the Initial Values of a Variable module:

• Via the standard spreadsheet interface. In the module spreadsheet, right-


click on the Initial Values cell and select the Edit via spreadsheet menu
item. The values for two-dimensional arrays should be entered one column
at a time. Array elements not explicitly assigned are assumed to have the
last entered value.

• Via the module dialog box. In the module spreadsheet, right-click on any
cell and select the Edit via dialog menu item. The values for two-
dimensional arrays should be entered one column at a time. Array elements
not explicitly assigned are assumed to have the last entered value.

Via the two-dimensional (2-D) spreadsheet interface. In the module spreadsheet,


click on the Initial Values cell.

TYPICAL USES

• Number of documents processed per hour

• Serial number to assign to parts for unique identification

• Space available in a facility


Schedule module

DESCRIPTION

This data module may be used in conjunction with the Resource module to define an
operating schedule for a resource or with the Create module to define an arrival
schedule. Additionally, a schedule may be used and referenced to factor time delays
based on the simulation time. Duration-formatted schedules are defined within this
module. Calendar- formatted schedules are defined by selecting Edit > Calendar
Schedules > Time Patterns.

TYPICAL USES

• Work schedule for staff, including breaks

• Breakdown patterns for equipment

• Volume of customers arriving at a store

• Learning-curve factors for new workers

Set module

DESCRIPTION

This data module defines various types of sets, including resource, counter, tally,
entity type, and entity picture. Resource sets can be used in the Process modules (and
Seize, Release, Enter, and Leave of the Advanced Process and Advanced Transfer
panels).

Counter and Tally sets can be used in the Record module. Queue sets can be used
with the Seize, Hold, Access, Request, Leave, and Allocate modules of the Advanced
Process and Advanced Transfer panels.

TYPICAL USES

• Machines that can perform the same operations in a manufacturing


facility

• Supervisors, check-out clerks in a store

• Shipping clerks, receptionists in an office

• Set of pictures corresponding to a set of entity types


Calendar schedule information Time Pattern

DESCRIPTION

A Time Pattern defines a series of values that change over time. For example, a
worker might be on duty during a standard work shift from Monday through Friday.
The avail- ability of the worker could be represented as a value of 1 when he’s on
duty, 0 when he’s off duty. The time pattern that defines this availability schedule
would list the changes from on duty to off duty over the week.

Time patterns are saved in an Arena model in the Schedule module with a Type set to
Calendar. Their data are edited via the Time Pattern window, which is opened from
the Edit > Calendar Schedules > Time Patterns menu option.

TYPICAL USES

• Weekly work schedules (e.g., 1-shift, 5-day weeks; 2-


shift, 4-day weeks)

• Daily work patterns (e.g., 8-hour day with 30-minute


lunch break)

• Arrival patterns (e.g., weekly customer arrivals, daily part


orders)
Calendar Exceptions

DESCRIPTION

An Exception defines a value that is to be applied for a resource over some fixed
period of time. The exception value overrides the base value defined for the resource.
For example, if a machine’s capacity was scheduled to be available (value of 1)
during second shift according to its base time pattern, you could add an exception to
change it to unavailable for second shift on a particular day (e.g., December 30,
2005).

Exception data are edited via the Exception and Composite windows, which are
opened from the Edit > Calendar Schedules > Exceptions and Display Composite
menu options.

TYPICAL USES

• Overtime

• Holidays

• Regularly scheduled meetings


Calendar States

DESCRIPTION

A Calendar State defines a name that can be used in place of a numeric value when
defin- ing time patterns and exceptions. This can be useful if a particular value (e.g.,
the number of workers in a pool of labor) needs to be entered in multiple places, but
may need to be modified. By entering the state name in the time patterns/exceptions,
you can modify the value associated with the state, which will apply the new value in
all of those places.

States are defined by opening the States editor dialog box from within the time
pattern and exceptions editors.

TYPICAL USES

• Labor pool sizes

• Standard efficiency values

• Base arrival rates


EXPERIMENT-4
AIM: Study Advanced process panel of Arena Software

STUDY: This study presents the modules included on the Advanced Process panel,
where additional functionality for modeling simulation process is explained.

Flowchart modules

Flowchart modules are the set of objects that are placed in the model window to
describe the simulation process. It includes:

1. Delay
2. Dropoff
3. Hold
4. Match
5. Pickup
6. ReadWrite
7. Release
8. Remove
9. Seize
10.Search
11.Signal
12.Store
13.Unstore
14.Adjust Variable
Delay module

DESCRIPTION

The Delay module delays an entity by a specified amount of time.

When an entity arrives at a Delay module, the time delay expression is evaluated and
the entity remains in the module for the resulting time period. The time is then
allocated to the entity’s value-added, non-value added, transfer, wait, or other time.
Associated costs are calculated and allocated as well.

TYPICAL USES

• Processing a check at a bank

• Performing a setup on a machine

• Transferring a document to another department


Dropoff module

DESCRIPTION

The Dropoff module removes a specified number of entities from the entity’s group
and sends them to another module, as specified by a graphical connection. Group
user-defined attribute value and internal attributes may be given to the dropped-off
entities based on a specified rule.

TYPICAL USES

• Loading shelves with product

• Separating a form for use in various departments


Hold module

DESCRIPTION

This module will hold an entity in a queue to wait for a signal, wait for a specified
condi- tion to become true (scan), or be held infinitely (to be removed later with the
Remove module).

If the entity is holding for a signal, the Signal module is used elsewhere in the model
to allow the entity to move on to the next module. If the entity is holding for a given
condi- tion to be true, the entity will remain at the module (either in a defined or
internal queue) until the condition(s) becomes true. When the entity is in an infinite
hold, the Remove module is used elsewhere in the model to allow the entity to
continue processing.

TYPICAL USES

• Waiting for a traffic light to turn green

• Holding a part for authorization

• Checking the status of a machine or operator to continue a


process
Match module

DESCRIPTION

The Match module brings together a specified number of entities waiting in different
queues. The match may be accomplished when there is at least one entity in each of
the desired queues. Additionally, an attribute may be specified such that the entities
waiting in the queues must have the same attribute values before the match is
initiated.

When an entity arrives at the Match module, it is placed in one of up to five


associated queues, based on the entry point to which it is connected. Entities will
remain in their respective queues until a match exists.

Once a match exists, one entity from each queue is released to be matched. The
matched entities are then synchronized to depart from the module.

TYPICAL USES

• Assembling a part

• Gathering various products for a customer order

• Synchronizing a customer exit with a filled order


Pickup module

DESCRIPTION

The Pickup module removes a number of consecutive entities from a given queue
starting at a specified rank in the queue. The entities that are picked up are added to
the end of the incoming entity’s group.

TYPICAL USES

• Gathering an order from various queue locations

• Gathering completed forms for an office order

• Picking up students at a bus stop for school


ReadWrite module

DESCRIPTION

The ReadWrite module is used to read data from an input file or the keyboard and
assign the data values to a list of variables or attributes (or other expression). This
module is also used to write data to an output device, such as the screen or a file.

When reading from or writing to a file, the ReadWrite logic varies according to the
Type of Arena File Name (the Access Type of a file is specified in the File module).

Sequential File or LOTUS Spreadsheet Access Types. When an entity arrives at


the ReadWrite module, the specified file is examined to see if it is open (active). If
not, the file is automatically opened. The values of the attributes, variables, or
expressions (other) listed are read or written according to the format specified.

If you plan to import Lotus (.wks) files into Excel, see Lotus 1-2-3 Release 1.x
(WKS) Format for guidelines.

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and ActiveX Data Objects Access Types.
When an entity arrives at the ReadWrite module, the specified file is examined to see
if an ADO connection to the file is open (active). If the file is currently closed, then
an ADO connection is automatically opened to the data source using either the
Microsoft Jet OLE DB Provider (if the Access Type is Microsoft Excel or Microsoft
Access) or the specified connection string (if the Access Type is ActiveX Data
Objects).

The Recordset ID is then examined to see if that recordset in the file is open. A
recordset refers to a table of data in the data store that is organized in columns (i.e.,
fields) and rows (i.e., records).

If the recordset is currently closed, then it is automatically opened using the recordset
definition specified in the File module (e.g., the specified named range or table
name). The recordset then remains open until the file is closed.

The values of the attributes, variables, or expressions (other) listed in the


Assignments repeat group are then read from or written to the specified Record
Number (i.e., row) in the recordset. The first entry in Assignments is read from or
written to the first field in the record, the second entry corresponds to the second
field, and so on.
Extensible Markup Language Access Type. When an entity arrives at the Read-
Write module, the specified file is examined to see if it is open (active). If not, the
file is automatically opened into a single ADO recordset.

The values of the attributes, variables, or expressions (other) listed are then read from
or written to the specified Record Number (i.e., row) in the recordset.

TYPICAL USES

• Reading in airline arrival/departure information

• Prompting an end user for model configuration data (menu)

• Writing order information to a data file, such as order arrival, order


fill time, order completion time
Release module

DESCRIPTION

The Release module is used to release units of a resource that an entity previously has
seized. This module may be used to release individual resources or may be used to
release resources within a set. For each resource to be released, the name and
quantity to release are specified.

When the entity enters the Release module, it gives up control of the specified
resource(s). Any entities waiting in queues for those resources will gain control of the
resources immediately.

TYPICAL USES

• Finishing a customer order (release the operator)

• Completing a tax return (release the accountant)

• Leaving the hospital (release the doctor, nurse, hospital


room)
Remove module

DESCRIPTION

The Remove module removes a single entity from a specified position in a queue and
sends it to a designated module.

When an entity arrives at a Remove module, it removes the entity from the specified
queue and sends it to the connected module. The rank of the entity signifies the
location of the entity within the queue. The entity that caused the removal proceeds to
the next module specified and is processed before the removed entity.

TYPICAL USES

• Removing an order from a queue that is due to be completed next

• Calling a patient from a waiting room for an examination

• Retrieving the next order to be processed from a pile of documents


Seize module

DESCRIPTION

The Seize module allocates units of one or more resources to an entity. The Seize
module may be used to seize units of a particular resource, a member of a resource
set, or a resource as defined by an alternative method, such as an attribute or
expression.

When an entity enters this module, it waits in a queue (if specified) until all specified
resources are available simultaneously. Allocation type for resource usage is also
specified.

TYPICAL USES

• Beginning a customer order (seize the operator)

• Starting a tax return (seize the accountant)

• Being admitted to hospital (seize the hospital room, nurse,


doctor)
Search module

DESCRIPTION

The Search module searches a queue, a group (batch), or an expression to find the
entity rank (for entities in a queue or group) or the value of the global variable J that
satisfies the specified search condition. When searching a queue or group, the value
of the global system variable J is set to the rank of the first entity that satisfies Search
Condition, or to 0 if Search Condition is not satisfied. When searching an expression,
the global system variable J is set to the value of the first index value that satisfies the
search condition or to zero if no value of J in the specified range satisfies the search
condition.

When an entity arrives at a Search module, the index J is set to the starting index and
the search condition is then checked. If the search condition is satisfied, the search
ends and the current value of J is retained. Otherwise, the value of J is increased or
decreased and the condition is rechecked. This process repeats until the search

4 • Advanced Process
condition is satisfied or the ending value is reached. If the condition is not met or
there are no entities in the queue or group, J is set equal to 0.

TYPICAL USES

• Looking for a particular order number in a queue

• Searching a group for a certain part type

• Determining which process to enter based on availability


of resources (search an expression)
Signal module

DESCRIPTION

The Signal module sends a signal value to each Hold module in the model set to Wait
for Signal and releases the maximum specified number of entities.

When an entity arrives at a Signal module, the signal is evaluated and the signal code
is sent. At this time, entities at Hold modules that are waiting for the same signal are
removed from their queues. The entity sending the signal continues processing until it
encounters a delay, enters a queue, or is disposed.

TYPICAL USES

• Analyzing traffic patterns at an intersection (signal when the light


turns green)

• Signaling an operator to complete an order that was waiting for a


component part
Store module

DESCRIPTION

The Store module adds an entity to storage. The Unstore module may then be used to
remove the entity from the storage.

When an entity arrives at the Store module, the storage specified is incremented, and
the entity immediately moves to the next module in the model.

Storages are useful for displaying entity animation while an entity undergoes
processing in other modules. Additionally, statistics may be kept on the number of
entities in storage.

TYPICAL USES

• Animating a part through a number of delay operations


(load, setup, process, unload)

Tracking the number of customers within a grocery store (place in storage upon
entry)
Unstore module

DESCRIPTION

The Unstore module removes an entity from storage. When an entity arrives at the
Unstore module, the storage specified is decreased and the entity immediately moves
to the next module in the model.

TYPICAL USES

• Removing the entity from an animation location when processing


is complete

• Tracking the number of customers within a grocery store (unstore


upon exit)
Adjust Variable module

DESCRIPTION

The Adjust Variable module adjusts a variable to a target value at a specified rate.
This module might be used with the Rotate By Expression option in Global and
Resource pictures to present smooth animated rotations of pictures. It might also be
used to approximate/ animate a continuous increase or decrease to a variable value
over time.

When an entity enters an Adjust Variable module, the Variable Name is adjusted to
the To Value at the specified Rate. The entity is held in the module until the
adjustment is completed.

The Update Interval specifies the time interval between actual assignment updates of
the variable value over the time period of the change. A smaller update interval
produces smoother animation in plots or rotating pictures that reference the variable,
as well as more accurate time-persistent statistics collected on the variable. A larger
update interval produces faster run speeds.

TYPICAL USES

• Rotate a resource picture to 180 degrees at a rate of 5


degrees per second
EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE-1: A SINGLE COUNTER TRANSACTION

 Customers arrive randomly: <described by a distribution>

 Transacts business: single counter

 E.g.: an ATM counter Arena model

Play the ‘ATM 2.exe’ file to know the method of data inputting in this model.

Modules Used

• Flow chart modules & Data modules

– Basic modules

• Create

• Process

• Dispose

Model building
Create module

Process module
Adding resources

• Give the name of resource that do the processing

• Quantity: quantity of the above resource required to do the processing

Connecting

Dispose module
EXAMPLE 2: A MANUFACTURING SYSTEM

• Stations with multiple servers


• Machine failures defined
• Pictorial representation of machine state
ARENA Model of a Manufacturing system with 4 machines used in sequence

STEP-1:

STEP-2:
STEP-3:

Using schedules: for resources & arrivals


EXAMPLE 3: A BANK

Tellers: no. of tellers vary during the day


• Calendar based
• Default value type: numeric
Manager: Availability based on time
of day
• Calendar based
• Default value type: state
Arrival: Rate of arrival depends on time of day
• Duration based
Customer arrives to a bank; some of the customers collect coupon and proceed to a
counter (teller) for processing. Another stream of customers directly goes to a
receptionist and then proceeds either to the Bank manager or for coupon collection
and then to the counter.

ARENA Model

Creating schedules

Click ‘Schedule’ in ‘Basic Process’ Add and name a new schedule Select
format type
• For calendar type
– Go to: Edit – Calendar schedules- Time patterns: select the name
& edit
• For duration type: click ‘durations’ in ‘schedule’ spread sheet itself &
edit
Assigning the schedule
• For resources
– Go to ‘Resource’ spread sheet,
• select the schedule name.
• Schedule rule :preempt
• For schedule based arrivals:
– Edit ‘Create’ module,
• type of arrival : ‘schedule’
• select schedule name
Decision module
• 2- way by chance
• N- way by chance
• 2- way by condition
• N- way by condition
2-way by chance
N-way by condition
• Ex: different entity types can be diverted to different routes

Tips on self- learning


I. Use Arena Help
II. Use examples: (Default location:-C:\Program
Files\Rockwell Software\Arena\Examples)
III. Use ARENA ‘Smart Files’ (C:\Program Files\Rockwell Software\Arena\Smarts)
Smart files are code-named . Index
is given in :Help- Arena SMART
Files
SMART Files
Ex: for entity pictures
• Help: Arena SMART Files: Animation: Animating entities:Smarts023
• Open ‘Smarts023’ form ‘Smarts’ folder
EXAMPLE 4: Analyze a home mortgage application process

Examine a simple mortgage application process to illustrate how to model, simulate,


visualize, and analyze with Arena. To begin, look at the process of receiving and reviewing a
home mortgage application. Build the flowchart shown below, introducing you to the process
of modeling and simulating with Arena.

Define model data


Define the data associated with the modules, including the name of the module and
information that will be used to simulate the process.
Initiate mortgage application (Create module)

First, visit the Create module, which will be named Initiate Mortgage Application. Its data
will include the type of entity to be created—in this case, a mortgage Application. There is
need to define how often mortgage applications are initiated. Use an average of 2 hours
between applicants as a starting point for our model, and Make this a random activity to
represent the natural variation in the timing of mortgage applications being submitted.
1. Double-click the Create module to open its property dialog box.
2. In the Name field, type Initiate Mortgage Application.

3. For the Entity Type, name our entities by typing Application.

4. Type 2 in the Value field of the Time Between Arrivals section.

5. Click OK to close the dialog box.

What are entities?


Entities are the items—customers, documents, parts—that are being served, produced, or
otherwise acted on by your process. In business processes, they often are documents or
electronic records (checks, contracts, applications, purchase orders). In service systems,
entities usually are people (the customers being served in a restaurant, hospital, airport, etc.).
Manufacturing models typically have some kind of part running through the process, whether
it’s raw material, a subcomponent, or finished product. Other models might have different
types of entities, such as data packets in network analysis or letters and boxes in package-
handling facilities.
There may have different types of entities in the same model. For example, customers
moving through a check-in counter at an airport might be separated into regular, first class,
and priority entity types. In some cases, entity types might be of an altogether different form
rather than classifications of some basic type. For instance, in a pharmacy, prescriptions
would be modeled as entities, running through the process of being filled. At the same time,
customers might be competing for the pharmacist’s attention with medical inquiries; they
would also be modeled as entities.
Review application (Process module)

Create the flowchart, looking at the process from the perspective of the entity. The Create
module is a starting point for an entity’s flow through the system being modeled. Next, in this
case, the application will be reviewed for completeness by a Mortgage Review Clerk.
Because this will take some amount of time, holding the entity at this point in the flowchart
for a delay and requiring a resource to perform the activity, use a Process module. Call this
process Review Application.

During the simulation run, each time an entity enters the process, Arena will calculate a
sample from the distribution information you’ve provided—in our case, a triangular
distribution. Over the course of a long simulation run where thousands of individual samples
are taken, the times will follow the profile illustrated next.

For our Review Application process, we’ll use a minimum time of 1 hour, most likely value
of 1.75 hours, and a maximum of 3 hours. We will assign a resource, the Mortgage Review
Clerk, to perform this process.
Note : If more than one resource is required for a process to be performed, add as
many as are necessary in the Process dialog’s Resources list. An entity won’t commence its
process delay until all listed resources are available.
Steps:
1. Double-click the Process module to open its property dialog box.
2. In the Name field, type Review Application.
3. To define a resource to perform this process, pull down the Action list and select Seize
Delay Release.

Arriving entities will wait their turn for the resource to be available. When its turn comes, the
entity will seize the resource, delay for the process time, and then release the resource to do
other work.
4. A list of resources will appear in the center of the dialog box. To add a resource for this
process, click Add.
5. In the Resource Name field of the Resource dialog box, type Mortgage Review Clerk.

6. Click OK to close the Resource dialog box.


7. Define the process delay parameters in the Minimum, Most Likely Value, and Maximum
fields as 1, 1.75, and 3. (Note that the default delay type is Triangular and the default time
units are in hours.)

8. Click OK to close the dialog box.


For now, Leave the default values for the other Process module properties. Feel free to
explore their purposes through online help or the “Modeling Concepts” and “Resources”
models in the SMARTs library.

Complete? (Decide module)

After the mortgage application has been reviewed, we determine whether to accept or
return the application. In Arena, whenever an entity selects among branches in the
process logic, taking just one of the alternatives, a Decide module is used.
For the mortgage application process, we’ll use a simple probability to determine the
out- come of the decision, with 88% of applications accepted as complete.
Note: When you use a 2-way Decide module, the entity that enters the module leaves
via one of the two exit points. If you want to make copies of an entity to model
parallel processes, use a Separate module.
Steps:
1. Double-click the Decide module to open its property dialog box.
2. In the Name field, type Complete?.

For the Percent True field, type 88 to define the percent of entities that will be treated with a
“True” decision (i.e., will depart through the exit point at the right of the Decide module).

3. Click OK to close the dialog box.


Accepted, Returned (Dispose module)

In simple process for reviewing mortgage applications, all the work is done. Now, remove the
mortgage applications from the model, terminating the process with a Dispose module.
Because there are two possible outcomes of the mortgage application process—applications
can be accepted or returned—we’re using two Dispose modules that will count the number of
applications under each outcome.

1. Double-click the first Dispose module (connected to the True condition branch of the
Decide module) to open its property dialog box, and in the Name field, type Accepted.

2. Click OK to close the dialog box.


3. Double-click the other Dispose module to open its property dialog box. In the Name field,
type Returned.

4. Click OK to close the dialog box.

Mortgage review clerk (Resource module)

Along with flowchart, Define parameters associated with other elements of model,
such as resources, entities, queues, etc. For the mortgage process, simply define the
cost rate for the Mortgage Review Clerk so that simulation results will report the cost
associated with performing this process. The clerk’s costs are fixed at $12 per hour.
To provide these parameters to the Arena model, enter them in the Resources
spreadsheet.
Note: One can edit the fields for any module using Arena’s spread- sheet, including
flowchart modules. Just click on the icon in the Basic Process panel to display its
spreadsheet
1. In the Basic Process panel, click the Resource icon to display the Resources spread-
sheet.
2. Because we defined the Mortgage Review Clerk as the resource in the Review
Application process, Arena has automatically added a resource with this name in the
Resources spreadsheet. Click in the Busy/Hour cell and define the cost rate when the
clerk is busy by typing 12. Click in the Idle/Hour cell and assign the idle cost rate by
typing 12.

Prepare for the simulation


To make the model ready for simulation, specify general project information and the duration
of the simulation run. For testing our first-cut model, perform a short, 20-day run.
1. Open the Project Parameters dialog box by using the Run > Setup
menu item and clicking the Project Parameters tab. In the Project Title
field, type Mortgage Review Analysis; we’ll leave the Statistics
Collection check boxes as the defaults, with Entities, Queues,
Resources, and Processes checked and also check the costing box.
2. Next, click the Replication Parameters tab within the same Run Setup
dialog box. In the Replication Length field, type 20; and in the Time
Units field directly to the right of Replication Length, select days from
the drop-down list. Click OK to close the dialog box.

Save the simulation model


After finishing work, save the work. Click Save on the Standard toolbar or select the File >
Save menu item. Arena will prompt for a destination folder and file name. Browse to the
target folder to save the model (e.g., C:\My Documents) and type a name (e.g., Mortgage
Review) in the file name field.
Arena’s model files store all of the model definition, including the flowchart, other graph- ics
you’ve drawn, and the module data you entered. After performance of a simulation run, the
results are stored in a database using the same name as the model file.

Simulate the process


With these few, short steps; be ready to predict the future! The mortgage application model
contains all of the information needed to run the simulation.
Start the simulation run by clicking the Go button or clicking the Run > Go menu item.
Arena first will check to determine whether you’ve defined a valid model, then will launch
the simulation.
As the simulation progresses, see small entity pictures resembling pages moving among the
flowchart shapes. Also, a variety of variables change values as entities are created and
processed, as illustrated below.
Note: If Arena displays an error message, you can use the Find button in the error window to
locate the source of the problem. You can change between the error and model windows by
selecting them from the Window menu.

If the animation is moving too fast, you can slow it down by adjusting the animation scale
factor. For this, you have two choices:
• Open the Run Setup dialog box via the Run > Speed > Animation Speed Factor
menu item and enter a smaller value (e.g., 0.005) for the scale factor; or
• Use the less-than (<) key during the run to decrease the scale factor by 20%. Be sure that
the model window is active—not the Navigate panel—or > and < won’t take effect.
Pressing < repeatedly is an easy way to fine tune the animation speed. The greater-than
(>) key speeds up animation by 20%.
To pause the simulation, click the Pause button or press the Esc key. With the automatic
flowchart animation, see how many entities have been created, are currently in the Review
Application process, have left each branch of our Decide module, and have left the model at
each of our terminating Dispose modules. These variables can be helpful in verifying the
model. For example, if the probability in the Decide shape was entered incorrectly (e.g., if
you typed 12—the rejection probability—instead of 88), the variables would show that
many more applications were leaving the Returned branch.
Step through the simulation one event at a time. Pause the simulation, then click the Step
button or press the F10 key. Each time one steps the simulation, an entity is moved through
the flowchart. Usually, one will see animation of the entity’s movement,though sometimes
no visual change will take place (e.g., when the next event is creating a new entity). When
this occurs, just step again to move forward to the next event.
Note: If the run finishes before you have a chance to explore these controls, answer No
when you’re asked if you want to view the results. Then click Start Over on the Run toolbar
to begin the run again.
Note: The animation scale factor is the amount of simulated time between successive screen
updates. Smaller values provide smoother, slower animation.

View simulation reports


After some of the animated flowchart, quickly run to the end of the simulation to view reports.
Pause the simulation, and then click the Fast Forward button to run the simulation without
updating the animation.
At the end of the run, Arena will ask whether you’d like to view reports. Click Yes, and the default
report (the Category Overview Report) will be displayed in a report window, as shown below.

Note: Each of Arena’s reports is displayed in its own window within the Arena application.
You can use the standard window options (maximize, minimize, etc.) by clicking on the
window control buttons or by pulling down the window menu Each of Arena’s reports is
displayed in its own window within the Arena application. You can use the standard
window options (maximize, minimize, etc.) by clicking on the window control buttons or by
pulling down the window menu

On the left side of each report window is a tree listing the types of information available in
the report. The project name (in our case, Mortgage Review) is listed at the top of the tree,
followed by an entry for each category of data. This report summarizes the results across all
replications (although, in this model, there is only one replication). Other reports provide
detail for each replication.

By clicking on the entries inside the category sections, one can view various types of results
from the simulation run. The following table illustrates some of the questions that could
answer from the Category Overview Report on our simple mortgage application process
simulation.
Question Report Section Answer
On average, how long did Total Time (Entity), 16.51 hrs
mortgage applications spend Average column
in the modeled process?
What was the average cost Total Cost (Entity), $22.99
of reviewing a mortgage Average column
What was the longest time
application? Total Time (Process), 33.45 hrs
an application spent in Maximum column
What
review?was the maximum Number Waiting 21
number of applications (Queue), Maximum applications
What
waitingproportion of time was
for review? Utilization
column (Resource), 97%
the Mortgage Review Clerk Average column

2 • Getting Started
busy?

After you’ve browsed the Category Overview Report, one can close it by clicking on the
window icon to the left of the File menu and clicking Close. Look at other reports by
clicking on their icons in the Project Bar. Each report will be displayed in its own window.
To return to the model window, close all of the report windows or select the model file from
the Window menu.
After viewing the reports and returned to the model window, end the Arena run session by
clicking the End button.
Arena Simulation Viva-Voce Questions and Answers

1. What Is Simulation?

Answer :

Simulation is the imitation of some real thing, state of affairs or process. In


health professions education, simulation is a methodology to help achieve
educational goals. Healthcare simulation encompasses a range of activities that
share a broad but common purpose: To improve the safety, effectiveness and
efficiency of healthcare services.

2. What Is A Simulationist?

Answer :

A simulationist is an expert in the knowledge, skills and attitudinal aspects of


using the methodologies of simulation to achieve learning objectives.

3. What Is A Simulation Centre?

Answer :

A simulation centre is a physical space where simulation is employed for health


professions education. Simulation activities can include technical skills training
(manikins, task trainers), role playing, virtual reality/e-learning and blended
simulation.

4. What Is The Need For Simulation?

Answer :

The Need for Simulation :

A simulator is a collection of hardware and software systems which are used to


mimic the behaviour of some entity or phenomenon. Typically, the entity or
phenomenon being simulated is from the domain of the tangible ranging from
the operation of integrated circuits to behaviour of a light aircraft during wind
sheer.

Simulators may also be used to analyze and verify theoretical models which
may be too difficult to grasp from a purely conceptual level. Such phenomenon
range from examination of black holes to the study of highly abstract models of
computation. As such, simulators provide a crucial role in both industry and
academia.

Despite the increasing recognition of simulators as a viable and necessary


research tool, one must constantly be aware of the potential problems which
simulators may introduce. Many of the problems are related to the
computational limitations of existing hardware platforms but are quickly being
overcome as more powerful platforms are introduced. Other problems,
unfortunately, are inherent within simulators and are related to the complexity
associated with the systems being simulated.

5. What Is The Classification Of Simulation Systems?

Answer :

It is useful to classify the system being simulated into two separate categories
depending upon the degree of randomness associated with the behaviour of the
system in its simulated environment.

For example, consider a simulated system consisting of a series of bank tellers


who must provide transaction services to incoming customers. The length of
time required for a teller to process a customer's transaction cannot usually be
predetermined before the simulation is started. Consequently such a simulation
system must introduce random behaviour to simulate the duration of each
transaction.

During the analysis of a real world banking system it may be discovered that the
time required for a transaction occurs over some well known probability
distribution. Hence the duration of each transaction may be generated from this
distribution. A similar strategy may be adopted for the rate at which customers
enter a bank. Through the introduction of this randomness, the results of a
simulation may never be the same as a previous simulation.

A system, such as this one, that relies heavily upon random behaviour is
referred to as a stochastic system. The results generated from a stochastic
system are typically analyzed statistically in order to make conclusions
regarding the behaviour of the system.

Conversely, a deterministic simulation system incorporates absolutely no


random behaviour whatsoever. As such, the simulation results for a given set of
inputs will always be identical. Simulations involving circuit behaviour are
examples of deterministic systems.

Supplying high signals to both inputs of a 2-input NAND gate will always
produce a low signal on the gate's output, regardless of where the gate is located
in the circuit's design hierarchy or when the inputs are received by the gate. In
the context of circuit simulation, deterministic simulation is used to verify that a
particular circuit design is behaving as expected when the circuit is supplied
with a given set of inputs, the circuit produces the expected outputs at the
correct time. Although this report will focus primarily upon deterministic
simulation systems, stochastic systems can also be simulated with modest
modifications to the implementation.

6. What Are Simulation Models?

Answer :

Simulation Models : During the design and implementation of a simulator,


various techniques and strategies may be adopted to model the behaviour of a
given system. Depending upon the system to be simulated, some techniques
may be more favourable than others. Factors including the level of abstraction
and the desired accuracy and speed of the simulation should be taken into
consideration when designing the simulator engine. Traditionally, simulators are
designed using either continuous or discrete-event techniques to simulate a
given system.

7. What Are The Abstraction Levels For Circuit Simulation?

Answer :

Abstraction Levels for Circuit Simulation : This report will describe the
design and implementation of a digital circuit simulator. Consequently, this
section will outline some of the aspects related to the simulation of circuits,
including the different levels at which circuit simulators may operate.

Circuit simulation provides a means of modelling a circuit's response to a given


set of inputs. The simulator may generate numbers representing the voltages
present at specific nodes of the circuit at certain times or it may generate
waveform diagrams that show the circuit's output over the duration of the
simulation. What is actually produced as a result of the simulation is largely
dependent upon the abstraction level at which the circuit was described and
subsequently simulated.

For example, simulating a circuit described in terms of transistors and


capacitors will conventionally show how these components interact at the
electrical or analog level, whereas simulating a circuit described in terms of
gates, flip-flops and registers will demonstrate the digital interaction amongst
the components.

Circuits may be described and simulated at several levels of abstraction. This


section will describe three major abstraction levels, each of which are related to
the simulation models described above. These levels are described below in
order of increasing abstraction level.

8. What Are Circuit-level Simulators?

Answer :

Circuit-level simulators : Circuit-level simulators are used to model the


behaviour of a circuit at its lowest conceptual level. The circuit is described in
terms of transistors, wires, capacitors and resistors and their respective
interconnectivity. Circuit-level simulators manipulate extensive detail regarding
the interaction of all the components in the circuit and also take into
consideration subtleties such as wire resistance and geometric properties of the
subcomponents.

The end goal circuit level simulation is to produce very detailed analog
waveforms which accurately model the behaviour of the circuit's devices in the
real world. Consequently, continuous simulation techniques are often used to
implement circuit-level simulators.

Circuit-level simulations are typically performed in several stages. During the


first stage, referred to as node-extraction, static analysis of the circuit
description is performed. From this analysis, information regarding the circuit's
devices, their respective attributes and their connectivity is obtained. This
information is subsequently combined with modules known as device models
that describe the behaviour of each device on a mathematical level. In order to
model the circuit's behaviour, the simulator must then solve a system of
differential linear equations which is derived from all the information supplied
to it during the node-extraction phase.
Although this method generates very accurate results, the technique is very
computationally intensive, resulting in poor simulation speed. As a result,
circuit-level simulation is usually not feasible for large designs and is therefore
commonly used to simulate only the most critical subregions of a given circuit.

9. What Are Logical Level Simulators?

Answer :

Logic-level Simulators : Logic-level simulators attempt to remedy the


computationally intensive nature of circuit-level simulators by raising the level
of abstraction to the domain of switches and logic components. Instead of
manipulating continuous, analog data, logic-level simulators simply process
logic values; that is, 0, 1 and X. In addition, logic-level simulators traditionally
simplify the simulation process by assuming that the connecting wires have
negligible resistance.

Logic level simulators can be subdivided into two further categories, switch-
level and gate-level simulators. In switch-level simulators, transistors are
promoted to elementary switches and very little attention is given to the
intricacies of other transistor attributes. During the simulation itself, equations
governing the behaviour of the circuit are greatly approximated, thereby
increasing the speed at which the simulator operates. The detail that is
inevitably lost as a result of this approach is not usually vital.

Gate-level simulators operate at yet a higher abstraction level. Low level circuit
devices such as transistors, capacitors and resistors are replaced with logic gates
such as NAND, XOR and flip-flops. Circuits described at this level bear strong
resemblance to data flow diagrams in which information is passed amongst
interconnected components.

Effective use of logic gates permit relatively high-level designs to be easily


described and subsequently simulated. Because the components are increasingly
abstract, more complex systems may be designed and simulated at the gate level
rather than at the switch level. Traditional gate-level simulators are
implemented using discrete-event simulation; as such, this report will primarily
focus upon circuits described at the gate level.

There have been several successful attempts to merge switch-level simulators


with simulators that operate at the gate-level and above, thereby allowing the
designer to have the flexibility and speed of high-level simulators, while at the
same time retaining some of the accuracy associated with switch-level
simulators.

10.What Are Functional- And Behavioural-level Simulators?

Answer :

Functional- and Behavioural-level Simulators : Functional- and behavioural-


level description languages and simulators represent the highest levels of
simulation available to circuit designers. These levels enable designers to model
circuits in terms of interacting abstract units that may not even be capable of
fabrication.

As such, designers are not limited by the restricted behaviour of fundamental


circuit devices. In addition, these levels also provide designers a viable means
of quickly exploring alternatives without becoming overwhelmed with the
impact that design decisions would have on the circuit at lower levels.

Functional-level simulators are generally closer to the actual hardware


representation than behaviour-level simulators. An abstract unit in a functional-
level simulation would accept input and produce output just like its
corresponding hardware component.

However, more flexibility is permitted with respect to how the input is


presented to the unit and how it is processed to produce output. For example, an
adder at the gate-level may consist of several half-adders which adds to
numbers by operating directly on their bits. The equivalent functional-level unit
would simply take two integers and add them using arithmetic constructs
available in the hardware description language.

Behavioural-level simulators go one level higher and permit designers to model


abstract control processing which may not be realizable in hardware. The
purpose of these simulators is to give the designer a general overview of the
design and to experiment with high-level alternatives. The usefulness of design
tools and simulators that operate at this level has been the subject of debate due
to the difficulty in translating such high level designs into compact, high-
performance circuits.

However, advances in silicon compilation have made the translation process


easier and more efficient. In addition, high level simulators are still useful for
rapid prototyping, even if the design is not actually physically fabricated. Rapid
prototyping allow designers to study the feasibility of a high level design before
actually delving into the tedious, low-level details such as placement and
routing.

11.Explain The Simulator User Interface?

Answer :

The Simulator User Interface : The intuitiveness and robustness of the user
interface used by a software application can strongly influence the productivity
of the people using that application. This chapter focuses on the design and
operation of a graphical user interface for a digital simulator engine. Details
with respect to the chosen platform and implementation language will also be
discussed and justified. In addition, some limitations of the GUI will be
described and potential solutions to these restrictions will be presented.

12.What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Simulation?

Answer :

Advantages of Simulation :

One of the primary advantages of simulators is that they are able to provide
users with practical feedback when designing real world systems. This allows
the designer to determine the correctness and efficiency of a design before the
system is actually constructed. Consequently, the user may explore the merits of
alternative designs without actually physically building the systems. By
investigating the effects of specific design decisions during the design phase
rather than the construction phase, the overall cost of building the system
diminishes significantly.

Another benefit of simulators is that they permit system designers to study a


problem at several different levels of abstraction. By approaching a system at a
higher level of abstraction, the designer is better able to understand the
behaviours and interactions of all the high level components within the system
and is therefore better equipped to counteract the complexity of the overall
system. This complexity may simply overwhelm the designer if the problem had
been approached from a lower level.
Thirdly, simulators can be used as an effective means for teaching or
demonstrating concepts to students. This is particularly true of simulators that
make intelligent use of computer graphics and animation. Such simulators
dynamically show the behaviour and relationship of all the simulated system's
components, thereby providing the user with a meaningful understanding of the
system's nature. Consider again, for example, a circuit simulator.

Disadvantages of Simulation :

Despite the advantages of simulation presented above, simulators, like most


tools, do have their drawbacks. Many of these problems can be attributed to the
computationally intensive processing required by some simulators. As a
consequence, the results of the simulation may not be readily available after the
simulation has started -- an event that may occur instantaneously in the real
world may actually take hours to mimic in a simulated environment.

One of the ways of combating the aforementioned complexity is to introduce


simplifying assumptions or heuristics into the simulator engine. While this
technique can dramatically reduce the simulation time, it may also give its users
a false sense of security regarding the accuracy of the simulation results.

Another means of dealing with the computational complexity is to employ the


hierarchical approach to design and simulation so as to permit the designer to
operate at a higher level of design. However, this technique may introduce its
own problems as well. By operating at too high an abstraction level, the
designer may tend to oversimplify or even omit some of the lower level details
of the system. If the level of abstraction is too high, then it may be impossible to
actually build the device physically due to the lack of sufficiently detailed
information within the design.

13.Explain Continuous Simulation?

Answer :

Continuous Simulation : Continuous simulators are characterized by the


extensive use of mathematical formulae which describe how a simulated
component responds when subjected to various conditions. For example,
consider a circuit described at the transistor, resistor and capacitor level. The
behaviour of all these components are well understood and are governed by
several equations which describe their respective behaviours.

A continuous simulator would apply those equations in the context of the


components' environment and connectivity and produce a continuous graph
which accurately reflects how the components would react if they were actually
hooked up in reality. The graphs usually reflect the changes in the state of the
system with respect to time; however, other relationships may also be
demonstrated as well. Unfortunately, the mathematical equations employed by a
continuous simulator can make the simulation very computationally intensive,
especially in the presence of thousands of interconnected elements. As such,
continuous simulators may be slow and are consequently only useful when
simulating a relatively small number of components which are described at a
low level of abstraction.

14.Explain Discrete-event Simulation?

Answer :

Discrete-Event Simulation : Discrete-event simulation is used to simulate


components which normally operate at a higher level of abstraction than
components simulated by continuous simulators. Within the context of discrete-
event simulation, an event is defined as an incident which causes the system to
change its state in some way. For example, a new event is created whenever a
simulation component generates output.

A succession of these events provide an effective dynamic model of the system


being simulated. What separates discrete-event simulation from continuous
simulation is the fact that the events in a discrete-event simulator can occur only
during a distinct unit of time during the simulation -- events are not permitted to
occur in between time units. Discrete event simulation is generally more
popular than continuous simulation because it is usually faster while also
providing a reasonably accurate approximation of a system's behaviour.

15.What Are The Windows In Simulator GUI?

Answer :

The simulator GUI employs two windows the circuit editor window (also
known as the main window) and the signal display window. Together, these two
windows provide the necessary functionality which lets the user construct and
simulate digital circuits.

16.List Some Open Source Circuit Simulator Software List?

Answer :

some open source circuit simulator software list:

Micro-Cap 10 – is another demo version circuit analyzer and simulator from


Spectrum Soft. As they claim its a mixed mode digital/analog circuit simulator
with an intuitive user interface, fast simulation and great performance. I haven’t
tried this yet, so if you are interested try your own.

PECS – is a free power electronics circuit simulator created by Richard


Tymerski. You can download the various manuals and tutorials from the
website before start using the simulation tool.

Proteus – Prospice is a mixed mode, Spice based simulation tool from


LabCenter. They have two versions, basic and advanced. Basic version is free
which supports interactive simulation only while advanced supports a range of
useful functions and features like graph based analysis which includes
frequency, noise, distortion, fourier parameters etc.

QUCS – Quite Universal Circuit Simulator is a free simulation software


developed on GNU/Linux environment. Well this software really works on
other operating systems such as Solaris, Apple Macintosh, Microsoft windows,
FreeBSD, NetBSD etc. User can simulate large signal, small signal and noise
behavior of the circuit using this simple circuit simulator.

Solve Elec – is an electrical circuit simulator (free version) which is developed


for Macintosh OS and Windows. It enables users to draw and analyse circuits
(both electrical and electronic) functioning in direct current or alternating
current, get formulas, verify equations, get equivalent circuits etc.

XSpice – is developed as an extension to Spice 3 by Georgia Institute of


Technology. It has code modelling feature which enables user to add new
models.

MultiSim – is a student version circuit simulation software from National


instruments. As you know, student versions always comes with limited access.
Still this is a great simulation tool for beginners in electronics. MultiSim, the
circuit maker software enables you to capture circuits, create layouts, analyse
circuits and simulation. Highlight features include exploring breadboard in 3D
before lab assignment submission, create printed circuit boards (PCB) etc.
Breadboard simulation is possible with Multisim circuit simulator.

TopSpice – this is a demo version circuit simulator from Penzar. This electronic
simulation tool is tailored to work with Windows only and its is compatible for
Windows XP/Vista/7. TopSpice is a mixed mode mixed signal digital,analog,
behavioral simulation software. It offers both Pspice and Hspice compatible
simulation of circuits.

Circuit Simulator 1.5j – is a freeware circuit simulation tool. I have not used
this tool or even attempted a try. I add this as a suggestion from a user in our
forum. I think this is just basic tool with very basic functions, created for starter
purpose. Use at your own risk.

MacSpice – is a free circuit simulation software for Apple Macintosh users.


This circuit simulation which is compatible for PowerPC and Intel architecture
Apple Macintosh (MAC pc) computers is derived from Berkeley Spice 3f5 .
This breadboard simulator can perform simulation ranging from a single resistor
to an integrated circuit with thousands of devices and components packed
together.

5Spice – is a free analog circuit analysis and simulator with many great features
which includes a user expandable library of Spice/Pspice models, save any
number of analysis results, integrated graphing of simulation results, student
level MOSFET IC design etc. The focus is emphasized on analog circuit
analysis and design at component level. 5Spice is mainly designed for students
and educators, rather than industry professionals. Latest version of 5spice is
released on October 31st 2001 – v 1.65.

NgSpice – one of the popular and widely used free, open source circuit
simulator from Sourceforge. NgSpice is developed by a collective effort from
its users and its code is based on 3 open source software packages:- known as:-
Spice3f5 , Cider and Xspice. Ngspice is a part of gEDA project which is
growing every day with suggestions from its users, development from its
contributors, fixing bugs and approaching perfection. As its a collaborative
project you can suggest improvement of the circuit simulator and be a part of
the development team.
GnuCap – is another open source project, developed as a general purpose
circuit simulator. Known widely as GNU Circuit analysis package, this linux
based circuit simulator performs various circuit analysis functions as dc and
transient analysis, ac analysis etc. Developers have incorporated spice
compatible model for MOSFET, BJT and Diode.

CircuitLogix – this student version software from CircuitLogix enables you to


perform analog, digital and mixed mode circuit analysis and simulation. This
SPICE simulation software provides 4000 devices on its student version which
is 1/3 of the pro version. This circuit building software give access to switches,
linear IC and digital IC, FET, Transistors, relays, displays, signal generators,
SCR’s, opto isolators, photo diodes, semiconductors, motors etc.

LTSpice – is a widely popular SPICE simulator from Linear. LTspice is a free


circuit simulation tool from Linear Technology corporation. This simulation
software is considered as one of the best freeware available. Highlight of
LTspice is much fast simulation of switching regulators with enhanced SPICE
(compared to normal SPICE simulators).LTspice gives access to over 200 op
amp models, transistor models, MOSFET models etc. A high disadvantage of
LTspice is its proprietary code base which is licensed by Linear Technology.
Had they made it open source, LTspice could have gone places with
collaborative development.

17.Can I Use The Simulator Software Online With Just My Web


Browser?

Answer :

No. The simulators are desktop applications that must be installed on your PC
and used with simulator controls that are connected to the same PC. Only in this
way can they deliver the real-time performance that's required to simulate the
behaviour of real heavy equipment.
EXPERIMENT-5
AIM: Study assembly module on ProE software.

STUDY: This study presents the modules included on the assembly on Pro-E
CAD software.

ASSEMBLY MODELING

Mostly the designs consist of more than one component that are assembled
together at their relative working positions. These assembly designs are created
in the Assembly mode of Pro/ENGINEER. To proceed to the assembly mode,
choose the Create a new object button from the Top Toolchest. The New
dialog box is displayed, select the Assembly radio button from the Type area
and then select the Design radio button from the Sub-type area as shown in
Figure -1. Specify the name of the assembly in the Name edit box and choose
OK.

Figure 9-1 Selecting the Assembly mode from the New dialog box
ASSEMBLY DATUM PLANES

When we enter the assembly environment, the three default assembly datum
planes are displayed on the graphics screen. If you do not want the assembly
datum planes to be displayed then while opening a new file you need to clear
the Use default template check box. Generally, it is advised to use the
assembly datum planes as the first feature of the assembly and then assemble
the components of the assembly taking the reference of these assembly datum
planes. Using the datum planes as the first feature helps you during the
modification of the assembly. Some of the advantages of using the assembly
datum planes are: the components of the assembly can be redefined in such a
way that the components placed later can be made the first component, the first
component can be replaced by some other component, and the placement
constraint of the first component can be modified.

ASSEMBLING THE COMPONENTS

The components in the assembly can be placed parametrically or non-


parametrically. If the components are placed using the placement constraints, it
is called parametric assembly and if the components are packaged, it is called
nonparametric assembly.

To assemble the components parametrically, choose ASSEMBLY >


Component > Assemble. The Open dialog box is displayed. Once you select
the part to assemble from the Open dialog box, the Component Placement
dialog box will be displayed as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 The Place tab of the Component Placement dialog box

The Component Placement dialog box has multiple functions. This dialog box
is used for both constrained and packaged placement of components. There are
two tabs in this dialog box, the Place tab and the Move tab. The options under
these tabs are discussed next.
EXPERIMENT-6
AIM: Simulate movement of cam and follower mechanism on ProE software.

REQUIRED COMPONENTS: Before doing Simulation, we need to have all the


parts and required components for Assembly. Assembly will comprise of-

1. cam_follower.asm—an assembly comprised of a cam and a roller


follower
2. base.prt—the ground body, comprised of two parts (blue)
3. cam.prt—a rounded, elongated solid with flat faces (purple)
4. roller.prt—a wheel with flat faces with that serves as the second cam
(green)
5. follower.prt—a holder for the roller (brown)
6. follower.asm—a subassembly connecting roller.prt and follower.prt
with a pin joint

This is what will be made and then simulated


Procedure:

Part-A: Make the requisite Assembly using following steps:

1. Make this cam

2. Cam ground
3. Cam support rod

4. Damper cylinder
5. Follower fork

6. Follower round
7. Follower shaft

8. Spring
Part-B: Making of Assembly & Simulation as:

1. New assembly>> make the ground at default>> do not start from cam.

2. Assemble the shaft( mate – surface and align the axis)


3. Cam connection – is cylindrical

4. Mechanism>> drag>> pick cam>> mouse. Mouse un pressed – cam


should rotate

5. Assemble>> follower fork >> align axis, align datums at least 2>>
connection - cylindrical
6. Get this >> try mechanism and drag to check 1- DOF

7. Completely constrain shaft and then the round


8. Assemble spring>> align, the datums, then mate another datum to the
fork
9. Mechanism>> drag
Note (at this level, pro E will tell if there is any connection not defined.
Check the components used to define align and mate features. It should
be immediate parent.) Redefine accordingly.
10.Modify block2 and make datums as shown

11.Make datums on cylinder _damper , to align the block2>> mate the


surfaces ( bring them closer to avoid rotational problems)
12.New assembly>> assemble asm1 at default.
13.Assemble follower _ cam assembly >> align these datums
14.Align other datum and then the bottom planes. ( Note- here a value of
3.0691, was taken to ensure that cam co-insides with roller. Used measure
command after aligning the cam and roller to know this value).
15.Check drag command there is no error of connection not defined.
16.Mechanism>> models>> cams>>new

17.Automatic>> select all the surfaces one by one – use query select.

18.Done>>cam 2
19.Query select surface of round
20.Done >> ok
21.A cam connection has been made

22.Drag>> check that the mechanism is moving with this connection


23.Create snap shots>> close >> save

24.Now we can use the display icon to see these snap shots.

RESULT: Simulation for movement of cam and follower mechanism is


performed.
EXPERIMENT-7
AIM: Simulation of Spring Mass Damper System and do dynamic analysis on
ProE software.

Procedure: Load Cam & Follower assembly and then start following steps.

1. New spring>> joint axis>. Query select axis>> Put K value – say = 20
2. Change value of spring>> regenerate

3. Change the value of spring in assembly also.


4. Make a point on damper cylinder at centre of circle
5. Edit spring>>We can use point to point also – query select one on damper
and another on fork
6. Define a damper also – take c=100
7. Setup>> units – mm Ns >>Model>> servo motor>> select this
axis>>profile
8. Velocity>> 70 >>apply>>ok>>close
9. Analysis>>new>>dynamic
10.Preferences- no more changes>> motors>>run (analysis does its
calculations).
11.Results>> measures
12.Position>> Select the point on the fork
13.Make a copy of the first – named position
14.Name it velocity >> apply >>Make another of acceleration also

15.Edit the measures – and put z – component instead of magnitude>> note


the arrow comes
16.Click on analysis definition1>> note the values come and graph option
becomes active.
17.Click on graph>> this is what we get
18.We can edit the graph properties also

19.Results>>Playback>> the animation is working

20.Now save the position graph with this name


21.In play back – save the results
22.Change the size of spring, we find that a spring was made automatically
as shown.

23.Change - servo motor values(500 degrees per second)


24.Now run (this is faster)
25.Note these changes in the graph. Here as servo speed was 500 deg/sec,
acceleration and velocity was not calculated.
26.This is the result with servo velocity of 50 deg/sec
27.Add new measures>> to select damper – select it on the drawing
28.Do the same for spring
29.Run the analysis again
30.Spring has a value but damper =0

31.Put initial conditions of point velocity = 0 in z co-ordinate


32.Give mass properties>> then gravity in z=-1 direction (actually no
material has been assigned, so no effect will be there right now).
33.Make measure of servo motor also
34.Run analysis again
35.Value has come here also
36.Drag to a different snap shot
37.Run analysis again
38.Now the position graph`s peak has come a slightly late

39.Edit damper – point to point ( one point on damper and another on fork),
value = 100
40.The damper data has also come.

41.We have changed the values, and lot of change has come in the graph.
42.Play the results in play-back

43.Play back>> capture>. Animation file is made – (it takes time!)

44.Browse to find the file made


45.We can view in animation at any point of time.

RESULT: Simulation of Spring Mass Damper System and dynamic analysis is


performed.
EXPERIMENT-8
AIM: Perform Structural FEM Analysis on a triangular 3-D model with
pressure loading and surface constraints

Procedure: To Perform Structural FEM Analysis on a triangular 3-D model with


pressure loading and surface constraints, execute following steps

1. Make this sketch for a part

2. Depth = 50 mm
3. Set up units – mm Ns
4. Application >> Mechanica >> continue

5. Structure>> Material>> assign


6. Brass >> assign>> part>> Now: pick the part
7. Loads>> new>> surface
8. This dialog box opens up
9. Pick the inner surface as shown>>per unit area>> -50 in Y >> preview

10.Constraints >> new

11.Select the top surfaces >> OK


12.We get something like - as shown
13.Analysis >> static >> New
14.Constraint set 1 >> Load set 1>> OK
15.Close
16.Design studies >> Accept
17.Done

18.Check Model >> ok


19.Run >> Start>
20.Yes
21.Check summary >> for these values

22.Done
23.Save model >> results>> results window

24.Study 1>> accept


25.Fill these parameters
26.Play >> See the animation and results

27.Insert result window 2


28.Now we have a displacement window also

29.Save the results


30.Saved the current window

RESULT: Structural FEM Analysis on a triangular 3-D model with pressure


loading and surface constraints is performed.
Pro E Viva-Voce Questions and Answers

1) What is new name of Pro/Engineer (Pro/E)?

Creo Elements/Pro.

2) Pro/E is product of which company?

PTC (Parametric Technology Corporation) it’s US based company.

3) What are the file extensions given to sketches, parts, assemblies,


drawings?

Sketches – .sec, Parts- .prt, Assemblies- .asm, Drawings- .drw

4) What is function of trail.txt file in Creo Elements (Pro/E)?

Trial.txt file records all the steps you are using during session if any case Pro/E
crashes or power failure occurs, you can retrieve your unsaved work by running
trail file.

5) What is use of config.pro file in Pro/E?

Config.pro is text file which stores all settings that define behavior of Pro/E
during it’s use. This file also contains user macros which are called map keys.

6) What are Mapkeys?

Mapkey option gives you flexibility to create a macro for series of commands
that you frequently using to keyboard shortcuts. Also you can add mapkeys as
icons to toolbar.

7) How many Geometric tolerance symbols are there in Pro/E and which
are they?

There are 14 different geometric tolerance symbols in Pro/E viz.


Straightness, Flatness, Circularity, Cylindricity, Line profile, Surface Profile,
Angularity, Perpendicularity, Parallelism, Position, Concentricity, Symmetry,
Circular Runout and Total Runout.

8) What is Drawing.dtl file??


Drawing.dtl is a setup file used in drawings which define different formats,
layouts, font size, dimension style etc.as per company company standards.

9) What is the difference between object reference and geometric


associativity?

Object reference is a data management term that has to do with the way one
object references another. Geometric associativity has to do with how a parts
geometry can be changed from the part or drawing.

10) . How should you create a new part or assembly? Why? ?

You should always create a new part or assembly using the copy from option in
the new dialog box and copy a start part. This ensures the proper layer setup,
saved views, datum planes, parameters, etc.

11) What is the meaning of “store back”?

‘Store back’ refers to the behavior in which an object is stored back to the
directory from where it was opened not necessarily the current working
directory.

12) What is the difference between File — > Erase and File — > Delete?

File erase removes the object from the ram of the computer and file delete
removes the object from the disk or hard drive of the computer.

13) What is the difference between File — > Save and File — > Backup?

File save stores the object in the directory where it was opened from and file
backup copies the object to the specified directory using the same name.

14) After performing a File, Save As, what is the current object?

After performing a file save as command the current object is not a new object
it is the old object.

15) If I use Window in Pro/Engineer and Close without saving my model,


have I lost my work?

No.

16) Name six common assumptions the sketcher will make.


Six common assupmption the sketcher will make are as follows – Horizontal
and vertical, equal length lines, equal radius or diameter, co-linearity, 90 and
180 degree arcs, points on the same horizontal or vertical, points on other
entities, tangency, symmetry, parallel and perpendicular lines.

17) What is the difference between One Side and Both Sides in extrusion?

One-side extrudes only one specified direction from the sketching plane. Both
sides extrudes both sides of the sketching planes.

18) How do you change dimensions of a feature?

Modify — > pick the feature — > pick the dimension — > enter the new value
— > select regenerate.

19) What is the model tree?

The model tree is a graphical representation of the features and/or components


in the model.

20) Define “Parametric Feature Based Modeling” ?

Parametric means driven by parameters. Feature based means you define a


series of instructions (features) to tell the system your design intent. Modeling
means creating computer images coupled with geometric information defining a
part or assembly.

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