CSci 405: Computer Simulation
Spring Semester 2000

Assignment #3
Due Wednesday, 26 April

Prepare this assignment by the above deadline in accordance with the instructions given in the Professional Conduct and Assignments sections of the Syllabus .

You may work individually or in groups (typically no more than two in a group). Your instructor must approve the groups in advance. All members of a group must be familiar with all aspects of the model and implementation code and be able to explain it to the instructor.

In this assignment you are asked to develop a simulation model and program using Java and the JavaSim simulation package.

Develop a simulation model for a system of interest to you. Design and implement a Java/JavaSim simulation program for the model. Execute and experiment with your program to answer questions about the system of interest.

The systems you consider must differ somewhat from the single-barber Barbershop and computer lab simulation programs we have done.

Possible projects include:

• One of the other models we have looked at in class or previous assignments:

  • The barbershop (or similar system) with multiple customer types (i.e., priorities) and multiple barbers.

    Enhancement: Add preemption by high priority customers.

  • The simple port model (with big and little boats, tugboats, and piers).

    Enhancement: Add the conditional waiting feature disallowing entry during low tide conditions.

  • The automobile assembly line producer-consumer simulation.

  • The shoe store case study involving interprocess cooperation.

  • An elevator system in a building. You may want to simplify the system somewhat from the design problem in Assignment #1.

  • An enhancement of the computer lab model -- such as making it driven by a trace of actual data, modeling printer usage, modeling breakdowns and repairs of computers, modeling more than one class of computers (e.g., with special peripherals or software), etc.

• Other systems with with your are familiar. You may want to gather actual data.

  • The Union food court.

  • The checkout lines at Walmart, Kroger, etc. Include line-jumping behaviors by customers.

  • Use your imagination.

Instructions:

• Write a description of the system you want to model, identify the questions that you want to answer about the system, and identify the components of the simulation model. Submit this to Prof. Cunningham for approval.

• When this assignment is complete, submit:
  • a description of your model in text and drawings,
  • a paper listing of your program source code and outputs from your experiments,
  • a diskette containing your program source code.

  Be sure that all items submitted are clearly labeled with your names, class, and the assignment number.

• Present the results of your project in an oral presentation the last week of the semester.

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