Abstract

Concurrent systems involve a wide collection of themes ranging from high performance distributed computing systems to sophisticated mobile robotic apparatus. Due to the high level of complexity that they often incorporate, and due to the great level of understanding that they require, such systems usually go through a modelling or a simulation phase before they are actually built. This allows the engineers or the developers, with the aid of computer simulations, to experiment and interact with the artefact and analyse its behaviour in a sufficient level of detail before its actual construction. This preliminary study enables different issues and problems to be exposed and resolved, as well as to identify possible potentials and extensions of the system.

Control engineering uses the measurements of process variables and the power of actuators in order to provide efficient control on a system’s output. Its applications are so widespread today that it is unlikely to find any engineering system which does not include any for of control circuitry. Control engineering relies heavily on systems modelling since control systems and techniques need to be thoroughly tested before they are actually incorporated in real life applications or safety critical systems. Simulations are used to evaluate the reliability and robustness of control systems and the consequent effects on the controlled process. A model encapsulating the behaviour of a process with some sort of control system enables the engineer to set the system up in any particular configuration he or she wishes to explore, and experience the outcome of the interaction of the controller with the process.

This paper will attempt to illustrate how systems modelling and simulation can be viewed from an empirical modelling perspective. A discussion on how the concept of agency and dependencies can be used in modelling physical properties of various artefacts will seek to demonstrate the potentials of empirical modelling in the field of engineering modelling and control.