  Workflow support typically focuses on single simulation experiments. This is
also the case for simulation based on finite element methods. If entire
simulation studies shall be supported, flexible means for intertwining revising
the model, collecting data, executing and analyzing experiments are required.
Artifact-based workflows present one means to support entire simulation
studies, as has been shown for stochastic discrete-event simulation. To adapt
the approach to finite element methods, the set of artifacts, i.e., conceptual
model, requirement, simulation model, and simulation experiment, and the
constraints that apply are extended by new artifacts, such as geometrical
model, input data, and simulation data. Artifacts, their life cycles, and
constraints are revisited revealing features both types of simulation studies
share and those they vary in. Also, the potential benefits of exploiting an
artifact-based workflow approach are shown based on a concrete simulation
study. To those benefits belong guidance to systematically conduct simulation
studies, reduction of effort by automatically executing specific steps, e.g.,
generating and executing convergence tests, and support for the automatic
reporting of provenance.
