Extending Object-Oriented Design for Physical Modeling

Paul A. Fishwick, University of Florida

Paper

Abstract


When we build simulation models and construct dynamical models for physical systems, we often do not do so using a clear overall framework that organizes our geometry, dynamics and models. How do geometry and dynamics intertwine to effect system change over multiple abstraction levels? We present a methodology, called object-oriented physical modeling, which builds on the currently accepted computer science approach in object-oriented program design. This type of modeling injects a way of incorporating geometry and dynamics into general object-oriented design. Moreover, we present an approach to dynamical modeling that mirrors major categories of computer programming languages, thereby achieving a definition of system modeling that reinforces the relation of model to program.