1989

Silvennoinen, Eero; Juslin, Kaj; Hänninen, Markku; Tiihonen, Olli; Kurki, Jorma; Porkholm, Kari

An efficient software environment can reduce the costs of developing and using computerised simulation models. APROS (Advanced PROcess Simulator) software environment comprises a flexible user interface and an extensive software library. The user interface is based on an easy to use command language for defining simulation models and for performing simulation experiments. The data is stored into a real time database designed specifically to meet the data management needs of real time simulation. The memory resident database enables a fast data exchange between computerised models. It also provides data structures for conveniently handling the information associated with simulation sessions. The data in the database can be accessed by entities called modules. The module structure is defined by associated variable, attribute and module type definitions. APROS software system can be used for various applications by selecting desired software components from existing software libraries and by including new computerised models and other software to an already existing system. The procedure of model development in general and the software used in model development are reviewed. The principles of APROS software system are discussed. The structure of the real time database and the tools for model development are presented. The already implemented APROS software packages and some larger application examples currently under development are described.