A framework for modeling and simulating human behavior in complex systems

Agent-based modeling and simulation (ABMS) is of increasing interest for the analysis of complex systems consisting of a large number of subsystems interacting with each other in complex ways to accomplish their goals. The overall dynamic behavior of such a complex system typically emerges from the interactions among subsystems of the system. This paper describes a framework for modeling and simulating such complex systems. Of particular interest is developing a computational agent model of human operators interacting with other technical systems in a complex system. We present an example of developing and incorporating a human agent modeling system into an agent-based simulation system to support the design and evaluation of advanced air transportation concepts.