Deadlock detection and resolution in discrete-event simulation

Abstract

Even though simulation models are validated and verified as steps in model development, a problem known as “deadlock” can still occur and go unnoticed in large, complex, discrete-event simulation models. Of all the commercial simulation languages currently in use, none can currently detect or prevent deadlocks and this can lead to incorrect results and decisions. Unfortunately, a deadlocking situation will not show up as a syntax or run-time error since it is a modeling error. In this research, the issues related to deadlock detection and resolution in discrete-event simulation models are analyzed and an algorithm for detecting and resolving deadlocks is presented and illustrated with examples. A simulation program is written in FORTRAN and linked with the algorithm to allow the algorithm to execute.