.BusinessSimulation.MoleculesOfStructure.Policy.CloseGap

Information

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The output y is given by the expression:

y = (u_reference - u_current) / u_adjTime

where the time to close the gap (u_adjTime) can alternatively be a constant (adjTime). If the adjustement time is zero, then the output y will be zero as well.

Limitations

• The adjustment time must not be negative. Negative values will be caught by an assert statement and will cause the simulation to stop.


• Catching a division by zero (e.g., adjustement time is zero) by returning a zero output will not be an adequate structure if some kind of discrete behavior is what is wanted:  Adjustement time being zero may then mean that the stock should change immediately which usually only makes sense at defined events. If such discrete behavior is intended this structure should not be used.

Notes

• The output may be multiplied with (-1) in order to use the output to control an outflow.
  
  
• See [6, p. 30] or Jim Hines' Molecules of Structure website (→Close Gap) for more details on the use of this structure within system dynamics.