The engineering toolbox provides base engineering components modelled in the Mathworks Simulink simulation environment. These blocks can be combined to rapidly and accurately model complex engineering systems.
The engineering blockset offers a number of features which accelerate modelling as well as ensuring that the model is generated correctly.
Physical Typing - signals are given appropriate data types such as Force, Torque, Rotational speed etc. The blocks check that the input type corresponds to the correct type. This checking ensures models are constructed in a correct manner with blocks receiving the correct signal types on the input ports.
Adaptive Graphical Icon Display - each block adapts it's icon to provide the user with a clearly legible model without having to dive into the block in order to understand the blocks configuration. Via a popup user interface the user can specify input and output port labels. Other features such as friction acting on a mass are displayed graphically on the block icon when they exist. The key parameter values for a block are also shown below the block.
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The crosses indicate that friction acts on the mass. The vs indicates this is static and viscous friction. The red inputs are force inputs, the blue outputs are displacments. The key parameters for the block are its mass (in kg) and length (in metres) which allows for absolute position modelling. |
User Interface - the blocks have a simple user interface for block parameter setting. To simplify modelling the inputs can be swapped on some blocks (see mass example below). The user interface guides the user to the information required in order to model the system accurately, and effects which may require consideration.
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The parameter box on the left relates to the mass block setup shown above. The user can configure the mass, frictional forces acting on the mass, and initial states. The inputs can also be swapped (this is indicated on the block graphically). There are two user input catagories, Parameters and Icon Display. The latter allows the user to rename the ports on the block to more descriptive terms if required. |
Electrical Schematic Modelling
The electrical modelling component of the toolbox differs slightly from the other blocks. This is to allow the user to model an electrical circuit as a schematic on the screen within Simulink. Voltmeter and Ammeter blocks are provided to allow measurements to be taken from points within the circuit.
