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The present paper presents a first attempt to produce a dynamical simulation model for the development process of open source software projects. First, a general framework for such models is introduced. Then, a specific simulation model is described and demonstrated. The model equations are based on available literature case studies whenever possible or reasonable assumptions when literature data are not adequate. The model is demonstrated against data obtained from a recent case study by A. Mockus, R. Fielding and J. Herbsleb ('A case study of open source software development: the Apache server') on the Apache www server software so as to reproduce quantitatively real results as closely as possible. Computer simulation results based on the calibrated model are thus presented and analysed. OSS dynamic simulation models could serve as generic predicting tools of key OSS project factors such as project failure/success as well as time dependent factors such as the evolution of source code, defect density, number of programmers and distribution of work effort to distinct project modules and tasks.