Hybrid Simulation

Hybrid simulations model dynamic systems the state of which is subject to both discrete and continuous changes using

1. events (and event routines) for modeling discrete state changes and
2. differential equations for modeling continuous state changes.

An example of a hybrid dynamic system is given by two or more cars moving on a circular track with a traffic light. Here the moving objects form a continuous subsystem, while the traffic light forms a discrete subsystem.

Hybrid simulation needs to use a combination of next-event and fixed-increment time progression.

... is (the name of) an equation- and event-based modeling approach defining a general-purpose language for continuous and hybrid simulation. The Modelica paradigm is supported by many commercial and also by open source tools, mainly used in science and engineering.

... is (the name of) a multi-modeling platform combining System Dynamics and event-based modeling, as well as Processing Network and object lifecycle (or "agent") modeling.