About Simulation Processes, Activities, and Steps

You use Automation Process Composer to capture a simulation process.

See Also
Using Adapters
Defining and Mapping Parameters
Managing Content

A simulation process is a collection of activities that define tasks or work to be carried out. An activity, in turn, contains a sequence of steps that represent how the task is achieved. Each step performs a specific function—from evaluating mathematical expressions (Calculator adapter) to executing and interacting with third-party applications (OS Command adapter). Every step specifies and uses an adapter to define the work to carry out.

For example, a simulation process could be to design an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The simulation process captures the following simulation activities. Each activity represents what the task is achieving.

  1. Perform a trade-off study to find the best dimensions for an aluminum, machined UAV structure.
  2. Meet the packaging, range, and cost requirements.
  3. Vary length, diameter, and thickness to find the best design.

Each of the three activities contains steps. Each step represents how the task is achieved. For example, the activity that varies the length, diameter, and thickness captures the following steps:

  1. Using the DOE adapter to drive the exploration process.
  2. Using the Script adapter to vary the diameter and thickness.
  3. Using the OS Command adapter to evaluate the thickness.

The activity does not describe how to validate the virtual simulation; it could be validated by a number of finite element analysis applications. In contrast, the steps within the activity describe how each step is performed with specific applications and tools.

Data plays an important role in a simulation process. Data flows between activities and between the applications in a step in the form of parameters.