Unified System Modeling and Simulation via Constraint Hypergraphs

Abstract This article describes the theory behind constraint hypergraphs: a novel modeling framework that can be used to universally represent and simulate complex systems. Multi-domain system models are traditionally compiled from many diverse frameworks, each based on a single domain. Incompatibilities between these frameworks prevent information from being shared resulting in data silos, duplicate work, and knowledge gaps. A constraint hypergraph addresses these problems by providing a universal modeling framework within which all model prescriptions can be expressed. This methodology expands mathematical structures previously explored in the abstract mathematics and systems theory into a new executable framework. Each hypergraph expresses the holistic behavior of a system in a declarative paradigm that describes the relationships between system properties. In addition to modeling, it is shown how constraint hypergraphs can be used for universal, cross-cutting simulation through principles of function composition. The theoretical framework of a constraint hypergraph is demonstrated with a practical representation of a hybrid system, combining a discrete-event simulation and continuous proportional-integral-derivative controller into a single model of an elevator lift system.