From individuals to populations: a mean field semantics for process algebra

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McCaig, Chris and Norman, R. and Shankland, C. (2011) From individuals to populations: a mean field semantics for process algebra. Theoretical Computer Science, 412 (17). 1557–1580. ISSN 0304-3975 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tcs.2010.09.024)

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Abstract

A new semantics in terms of mean field equations is presented for WSCCS (Weighted Synchronous Calculus of Communicating Systems). The semantics captures the average behaviour of the system over time, but without computing the entire state space, therefore avoiding the state space explosion problem. This allows easy investigation of models with large numbers of components. The new semantics is shown to be equivalent to the standard Discrete Time Markov Chain semantics of WSCCS as the number of processes tends to infinity. The method of deriving the semantics is illustrated with examples drawn from biology and from computing.

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