A Meta-Modeling Environment for Mechanical System Co-Simulations
Alexander Siemers, Dag Fritzson · KTH Publication Database DiVA (KTH Royal Institute of Technology) · 2007
A general approach for modelling of mechanical system co-simulations is presented that is built upon the previously defined general framework for TLM co-simulations and co-simulation meta-modelling. Co-simulation is one technique for coupling different simulators into one coherent simulation. Existing co-simulation applications are often capable of interconnecting two specific simulators where a unique interface between these tools is defined. However, a more general solution is needed to make co-simulation modelling applicable for a wider range of tools. Any such solution must also be numerically stable and easy to use to be applicable by a larger group of people. In this work the concept of meta-modelling is applied to mechanical co-simulation. Several tool-specific simulation models can be integrated and connected by means of a meta-model, where the meta-model defines the physical interconnections of these models. A general meta-modelling process is described that represents the basis for this work. A meta-modelling language (MML) has been defined to support the modelling process and store the meta-model structure. Besides elements for physical interconnections, etc., the language also defines graphical elements that can be used for meta-model visualisation. All proposed solutions are general and simulation tool independent. A fully functional modelling environment has been created to make meta-modelling applicable. The modelling environment supports easy encapsulation and integration of simulation tool-specific models. Each simulation tool implements a single, well defined co-simulation interface. All interfaces implement a numerically stable method for force/moment interaction. The presented environment features a graphical user interface for co-simulation modelling with support for three dimensional visual representation of the co-simulation model including all its components.