Modelica: Equation-Based, Object-Oriented Modelling of Physical Systems

Abstract

The field of equation-based object-oriented modelling languages and tools continues its success and expanding usage all over the world primarily in engineering and natural sciences but also in some cases social science and economics. The main properties of such languages, of which Modelica is a prime example, are: acausal modelling with equations, multi-domain modelling capability covering several application domains, object-orientation supporting reuse of components and evolution of models, and architectural features facilitating modelling of system architectures including creation and connection of components. This enables ease of use, visual design of models with combination of lego-like predefined model building blocks, ability to define model libraries with reusable components enables. This chapter gives an introduction and overview of Modelica as the prime example of an equation-based object-oriented language.