Dynamic systems and discrete-event models

Discrete Event Simulation in Python

Diogo Costa (PhD, MSc)

Adjunct Professor, University of Saskatchewan, Canada & CEO of ImpactBLUE-Scientific

What is a dynamic system?

Dynamic systems

  • State changes over time
  • Variables that change are referred to as state-variables

Steady-state systems

  • Variables remain unchanged over time
  • "Object" can move but at a constant speed
Discrete Event Simulation in Python

What is a dynamic system?

A plot showing the temporal evolution of state variables in dynamic and steady-state systems.

A plot showing the temporal evolution of state variables in dynamic and steady-state systems. In the dynamic system, the variable changes over time, while in the steady-state system, it remains constant.

  • All natural or human processes can be classified as dynamic or steady-state
Discrete Event Simulation in Python

Examples of dynamic systems

Nature

  • Weather system Photo of a tornado in a wheat field.

  • Ocean swell Photo of waves hitting a lighthouse.

Human-driven or Human-initiated

  • Road traffic Photo of road interception at night with lots of vehicles.

  • Manufacturing Photo of a professional in a manufacturing facility.

Discrete Event Simulation in Python

Examples of non-dynamic systems

Nature

  • Rock at rest Photo of a rock at rest.

  • River in calm days Aerial photo of a river calmly flowing on a sunny day.

Human-initiated or human-driven

  • Satellite floating in space Photo of a satellite floating in space.

  • Boat at constant speed Photo of a cargo ship steadily moving in calm waters.

Discrete Event Simulation in Python

What are discrete-event simulations?

  • Mathematical representation of dynamic systems

  • Simulation of human activities involving a sequence of processes

  • Applicable to processes that can be decomposed into a series of queueing events

Schematic of the processes and workflow of a supply-chain activity.

  • Powerful method to build a Digital Twin of a business or industry

  • Useful to optimize processes, increase productivity, identify-eliminate bottlenecks, and streamline resource allocation

Discrete Event Simulation in Python

Examples of applications

  • Building process design

Photo of a construction site.

  • Manufacturing

Photo of a manufacturing industry.

  • Supply-chain and logistics

Photo of a conveyor belt with cardboard boxes.

  • Transportation

Photo of road traffic at night.

Discrete Event Simulation in Python

Let's practice!

Discrete Event Simulation in Python

Preparing Video For Download...