Couple MotionSolve with Twin Activate

MotionSolve can interface with Twin Activate, an open and flexible integration platform for comprehensive system-of-systems simulation.

Twin Activate is based on a hybrid block diagram modeling environment for signal blocks, object oriented physical components, and electric and electronics systems. Use Twin Activate to perform multiphysics analysis throughout the development cycle.

The Value of Coupling MotionSolve and Twin Activate

By coupling MotionSolve with Twin Activate, you can study complex multi-physical systems, such as a hybrid powertrain. In this coupling, the structural 3D analysis of the crankshaft and cylinders is handled by MotionSolve, while the modular, parametric system integration involving 0-D, 1D, and 3D multi-physical systems is handled by Twin Activate, as shown below. The coupling enables CAE and non-CAE experts to refine system-level models and simulations rapidly and continually. It also provides a better understanding of electromechanical subsystem interaction as well as controller performance.
Figure 1.


Implement Coupling

The coupling between MotionSolve and Twin Activate is achieved via co-simulation between the two products. Both products run in parallel, each on their own process (IPC) using their own solver and step-size. Twin Activate is the leading solver and MotionSolve follows. Co-simulation between MotionSolve and Twin Activate can be performed on local or remote computer systems. The interface between MotionSolve and Twin Activate is defined by inputs and outputs in each system. For MotionSolve models, special modeling statements, such as Control: Plant Input and Control: Plant Output, are added to specify its inputs/outputs. These statements reference variables that are either used as inputs to the model (for example, forces or torques) or measure outputs (for example, displacements or velocities). MotionSolve is coupled to Twin Activate either via a proprietary MSPlant/MSSignal block in Twin Activate or via FMU. The former approach is the preferred choice.

MSPlant/MSSignal Coupling

Twin Activate provides the proprietary MSPlant and MSSignal blocks. A MotionSolve model connects to an Twin Activate model directly via one of those blocks. These blocks specify the MotionSolve model and have inputs and outputs based on the ControlPlant elements defined in the model. MSSignal is a variant of MSPlant block that displays the name of MS signals at the input/output ports of the block. Please follow the Twin Activate online help on how to use the MSPlant or MSSignal blocks in Twin Activate.

FMU Coupling

MotionSolve Models as a Functional Mockup Unit (FMU) describes the process on how to export a MotionSolve model as an FMU. This FMU can then be imported into Twin Activate. Please follow the Twin Activate online help on how to import FMUs.
Note: The FMU coupling has certain limitations 123.

Output

Both solvers generate results for their respective models that can be post-processed within their own software or software tools.

Comments

  1. Twin Activate models can include multiple MSPlant or MSSignal blocks due to the IPC for co-simulation between Twin Activate and MotionSolve. However, only one MotionSolve FMU block is supported in Twin Activate.
  2. The MSPlant and MSSignal blocks support MotionSolve models that entail compiled and/or scripted user-defined subroutines. The FMU coupling officially does not supports user-defined subroutines.
  3. Since MotionSolve is the leading solver for the Altair EDEM and Altair OptiStruct coupling, a three-way coupling with Twin Activate is also supported, where MotionSolve-EDEM/OptiStruct co-simulation is embedded into an Twin Activate model as either an MSPlant or MSSignal block. The FMU coupling officially does not support a three-way coupling.
    Note: See Couple MotionSolve with EDEM and Couple MotionSolve with OptiStruct for more information.
  4. A detailed description of the MotionSolve-Twin Activate co-simulation and its intrinsic workings can be found in the Twin ActivateExtended Definitions for Advanced Users help.
  5. Detailed step-by-step instructions on how to use a coupling with Twin Activate can be found in Quadrotor Control Co-Simulation with Twin Activate and Co-Simulation with Twin Activate via Function Mockup Interface (FMI).