Matlab
MATLAB is used for matrix manipulations, plotting of functions and data, implementation of algorithms, creation of user interfaces. I used this previously for signals processing. This is built on top of C++ I believe.
Uses in SYDE 351
In SYDE 351 - Systems Models 1, we use MATLAB to create state-variable and block models using Simulink and Simscape.
A Simscape model is based on the Physical Network approach using blocks representing physical system elements.
Variable Types
Physical Network approach supports two types of variables:
Through (or flow)
Variables that are measured with a gauge connected in series to an element. A through-variable represents a property that appears to pass through an element, unaltered. (e.g., force, current, fluid flow rate, and heat transfer rate).
Across (or potential)
Variables that are measured with a gauge connected in parallel to an element, as the difference in the values at the two ends of the element. i.e., the value at one end of the element with respect to the value at the other end. (e.g., velocity, voltage, pressure, and temperature).
We also have the following elements:
Direction-sensitive elements: active elements
(force and velocity sources, flow rate and pressure sources, etc.) must be oriented strictly in accordance with the line of action or function that they are expected to perform in the system.
Direction-insensitive elements: Â passive elements
(dampers, resistors, springs, pipelines, etc.) can be oriented either way.
We use these tools to model circuit elements like Impedance.
From Impedance we specifically model capacitance and impedance with state-variables according to this where our derivatives are the time derivates of voltage and current.