Simulator adds fluid modelling capabilities

Article By : MathWorks

Simscape Fluids enables engineers to build acausal models of fluid systems that integrate directly with block diagrams.

MathWorks has upgraded its Simscape family to provide component libraries for modelling and simulating thermal liquid systems.

The new libraries and examples available in Simscape Fluids include heat exchangers, pipes, valves, and other components; this enables engineers to develop fluid power, heating and cooling, and fluid transportation systems for applications such as backhoe actuators, engine cooling systems, and water supply networks.

Simscape Fluids enables engineers to build acausal models of fluid systems that integrate directly with block diagrams in Simulink, state machines in Stateflow, and MATLAB functions. Simulating the entire system within a single environment streamlines tasks such as designing control systems and optimising system-level performance. This also makes it possible to detect integration issues earlier in the development process, when they are less expensive and time-consuming to address.

Simscape Fluids models can also be converted to C code to support testing of embedded software in configurations such as processor-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop testing, which is much safer and more efficient than testing on hardware prototypes.

“An added advantage is that by working with Simulink, Simscape Fluids is part of a united environment for developing control algorithms and physical systems. This increases the value of model-based design by enabling a more useful and elaborate executable specification," said Jean Brunet, deputy CEO of Sherpa Engineering.