Handling complexity in object based modeling and simulation

The issue of complexity in modeling and simulation arises from the desire to understand fully the behaviour of physical systems at the time design and acquisition decisions are being taken. This avoids the need for extensive experimentation, testing and product development, increasing confidence and reducing time to market. The article describes the development of causally consistent models of different complexity and shows how they may be applied to the simulation and animation of an electrical drive system. Functional objects have a physical form which may be modelled as a three dimensional solid object having sets of functional axes that define the spatial positioning of component interaction. Object interaction is not limited to energetic interaction but may be in relation to any aspect of its context. The object may interact with respect to mass, reliability, failure modes, cost, etc., which may be included in economic and environmental aspects of the models.