UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

SCHOOL OF ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONIC AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING

MATLAB BASICS

CHAPTER 5: Introduction to Simulink

5.1 Introduction

Simulink is a time based software package that is included in Matlab and its main task is
to solve Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE) numerically. The need for the numerical
solution comes from the fact that there is not an analytical solution for all DE, especially
for those that are nonlinear.
The whole idea is to break the ODE into small time segments and to calculate the
solution numerically for only a small segment. The length of each segment is called
“step size”. Since the method is numerical and not analytical there will be an error in the
solution. The error depends on the specific method and on the step size (usually
denoted by h).
There are various formulas that can solve these equations numerically. Simulink uses
Dormand-Prince (ODE5), fourth-order Runge-Kutta (ODE4), Bogacki-Shampine (ODE3),
improved Euler (ODE2) and Euler (ODE1). A rule of thumb states that the error in ODE5
is proportional to h5, in ODE4 to h4 and so on. Hence the higher the method the smaller
the error.
Unfortunately the high order methods (like ODE5) are very slow. To overcome this
problem variable step size solvers are used. When the system’s states change very
slowly then the step size can increase and hence the simulation is faster. On the other
hand if the states change rapidly then the step size must be sufficiently small.
The variable step size methods that Simulink uses are:
• An explicit Runge-Kutta (4,5) formula, the Dormand-Prince pair (ODE45).
• An explicit Runge-Kutta (2,3) pair of Bogacki and Shampine (ODE23).
• A variable-order Adams-Bashforth-Moulton PECE solver (ODE113).
• A variable order solver based on the numerical differentiation formulas (NDFs)
(ODE15s).
• A modified Rosenbrock formula of order 2 (ODE23s).
• An implementation of the trapezoidal rule using a "free" interpolant (ODE23t).
• An implementation of TR-BDF2, an implicit Runge-Kutta formula with a first stage
that is a trapezoidal rule step and a second stage that is a backward
differentiation formula of order two (ODE23tb).
Note the solvers that contain the letter ‘s’ are stiff solvers. For more information about
stiff solvers and ODE in general you can look at the Simulink help file files or at some
specialised books about numerical solutions.

To summarise the best method is ODE5 (or ODE45), unless you have a stiff problem,
and a smaller the step size is better, within reason.

5.2 Solving ODE

Since the key idea of Simulink is to solve ODE let us see an example of how to
accomplish that. Through that example many important features of Simulink will be
revealed.
To start Simulink click on the appropriate push button from the command window:

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MATLAB BASICS

The next window will appear:

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These are the libraries of Simulink. As it can be seen there are many of them and even
more sub-libraries. In order to be able to find the appropriate blocks you must spend
some time in looking in those libraries. After some time you will be able to find quickly
any blocks that you may need.

To create a new model click on the white page push button:

The most important menu that you must know is the parameters menu which can be
found:

Then this window will appear:

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Here you can define the start and stop time of the simulation and the solver options
where you can choose variable or fixed step size, the solver method and the step size.
If you choose a variable step size, remember that the minimum step size must be less
than the maximum.
Let’s solve now a very easy ODE.

5.2.1 Example 1
Consider the coil shown in the next figure.
The voltage supply is equal to:
dψ (t ) R, L
u (t ) = i (t )R + . Assuming that the
dt
inductance of the coil is constant the above
di (t )
equation is: u (t ) = i (t )R + L . This is a
dt
linear 1st order ODE. What is the response of
the current to a sudden change of the voltage,
assuming zero initial conditions? To answer
this we must solve the above ODE. There are u(t)
various ways to solve it (Laplace...). Here we
will try to solve it numerically with Simulink.
di (t ) 1
• Step 1: First of all we must isolate the highest derivative: = (u (t ) − i (t )R )
dt L
• Step 2: We will use as many integrators as the order of the DE that we want to solve:
The integrator block is in:

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Just click and drag the block to the model:

• Step 3: Beginning at the input of the integrator we construct what we need, hence
1
here we must create the factor (u (t ) − i(t )R ) which is equal to Di(t). First put a gain
L
of 1 :
L

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To set the value of the gain block double click on it and then change its value:

• Step 4: Now the term [u(t)-I(t)R] must be constructed, we will need a summation
point and another gain:

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• Step 5: Now we must add an input signal to simulate the voltage change and
something to see the response of the current. For the voltage change we chose to
use a step input of amplitude 1 and for the output we can use a scope:

• Step 6: To run the simulation we must give values to L, R. In the workspace we type:
R=0.01; L=0.01.
• Step 7: To see the solution we must run the simulation and then double click on the
Scope:

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5.2.2 Example 2
The second example is a classical mass-spring system:
X

F K
m

By applying Newton’s second law: ∑ F = ma , or: F (t ) − Kx(t ) − Bu(t ) = ma(t ) , where F

is the external force applied on the mass (m), K is the spring constant, a is the
acceleration of the mass, u is the speed of the mass, x is the distance that is covered
dx(t ) d 2 x(t )
and B is the friction factor. F (t ) − K −B=m . The question here is what is
dt dt
going to be the behaviour of the mass due to a sudden force change, assuming again
zero initial conditions. To solve we will follow the previous steps:
d 2 x(t ) 1  dx(t ) 
First isolate the highest derivative: =  F (t ) − K − B
dt m dt 
Secondly place as many integrators as the order of the DE:

Beginning from the end construct everything that you need:

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5.2.3 Example 3
The pendulum shown has the following nonlinear DE:
•• • a
MR 2 a + b a + MgR sin(a) = 0
Its Simulink block is: R

To find its response we must double click on the last integrator whose output is the angle
a and set the initial conditions to 1.

5.2.4 Exercise

( )
•• •
Solve the following nonlinear DE: m x + 2c x 2 − 1 x − kx = 0 . Take: m=1, c=0.1 k=1.
This is the Van der Pol equation and can correspond to a mass spring system with a
variable friction coefficient.

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These are two examples of Simulink design based on a previous Matlab version.

5.3 Second Order System Example

Simulation of the impulse and step response of a second-order continuous-time transfer

function:

ω n2
H ( s) = , ωn = 1
s 2 + 2ζω n s + ω n2

The following cases will be investigated:

(a) Underdamped: 0 <ζ <1
(b) Critically damped: ζ =1
(c) Overdamped: ζ >1

1. Start the Matlab engine and type simulink3 at the Matlab command prompt. This
will start the Simulink3 library.

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2. To open a new model select: File → New → Model

(The following window should appear.)

3. To save the new Simulink model select: File → Save As

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4. Drag & drop two sine-wave blocks and a summation block from the Simulink3 libraries
as illustrated below.

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5. Double-click the step function block and insert the parameters as shown below.

6. Repeat for the transfer function block.

ω n → wn
ζ →Z

Right-click and drag the transfer function block to replicate it. Alternatively, you can use
the following shortcuts for the same task: click on the transfer function block and Ctrl +
C, Ctrl + V.

7. Double-click the scope block and insert the following parameters.

Replicate the scope block

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8. Connect the Simulink blocks together as shown below.

9. Specify Z (Zeta) and wn at the Matlab command prompt.

10. To enter the Simulation Parameters use the shortcut “Ctrl + E”

or choose: Simulation → Parameters.

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11. To start the simulation use the shortcut “Ctrl + T” or point & click at the play
button on the toolbar. The following plots should appear (double-click the scope
blocks if not).

(To adjust the range)

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12. Investigate the following cases:

(a) Z=1; wn=1; (“Critically damped”)
(b) Z=1.5; wn=1; (“Overdamped”)

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5.4 Fourier Spectrum Example

Computation of the Fourier spectrum of the sum of two sinusoids:

y (t ) = A1 sin(2π f c1t ) + A2 sin(2π f c 2t )

where f c1 = 10kHz , f c 2 = 12kHz and the sampling frequency is f s = 40kHz .

1. Start the Matlab engine and type simulink3 at the Matlab command prompt. This will
start the Simulink3 library.

2. To open a new model select: File → New → Model

3. To save the new Simulink model select: File → Save As

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4. Drag & drop two sine-wave blocks and a summation block

from the Simulink3 libraries as illustrated below.

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5. Open the DSP Library by typing dsplib at the command prompt.

6. Open the DSP Sinks library by double-clicking the corresponding icon.

7. Drag & drop the buffered FFT scope block.

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8. Connect the Simulink blocks.

9. To enter the sine-wave block parameters double-click the corresponding icon.

Recall: Amplitude * sin (2 * pi * Frequency * t + Phase)
where t = 0, Ts, 2*Ts, 3*Ts,…

10. Repeat for the block sine-wave1.

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11. Specify fc1, fc2, fs, and Ts at the command prompt.

where fc1 and fc2 are the carrier frequencies, fs is the sampling frequency, and Ts is the
sampling time.

11. Enter the following FFT scope parameters.

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12. Finally, to enter the Simulation Parameters use the shortcut “Ctrl + E”
or choose: Simulation → Parameters.

13. To start the simulation use the shortcut “Ctrl + T”

or point & click at the play button on the toolbar.

14. Once the simulation is running right click on the scope window and choose
autoscale. The following plot should appear.

Explain the resulting spectral components by considering the following Fourier transform
pair:
FT 1 1
sin(2π f c t ) ↔ δ ( f − fc ) − δ ( f + fc )
2j 2j

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15. Change the amplitude of the sine-wave1 to 0.5, save the changes, and re-run the
simulation.

Explain the resulting spectrum.

16. Change fc2 to 25 kHz, save the changes, and re-run the simulation.

Explain the spectral component at 15 kHz. Determine the spectral components for
fc2 = 35 kHz and 55 kHz (first without running the simulation). Now, verify your results
by means of simulation.

17. Try the following frequencies for fc2: 20, 60, 80, 100 kHz.

Explain the resulting spectrum. Why is there is no spectral component at 20 kHz?

17. Double-click on sine-wave1 block and change the phase parameter to pi/2. Now
try the above frequencies again.

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Explain the resulting spectrum. Why does the magnitude of the spectral component at
20 kHz equals those at 10 and 30 kHz?

18. Now, use fundamental blocks of the DSP library to design an FFT spectrum analyser
as illustrated below.

For the same set-up the FFT analyser should produce the same output as the Buffered
FFT Frame scope. Describe the changes required to obtain a DFT spectrum analyser.

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ChemE 480 A Simulink Tutorial N. L. Ricker

This tutorial exposes you to the main ideas you’ll need to use Simulink in ChemE 480. It reviews the
material covered in week 1 of the lab, and introduces creation of masked blocks.

A tutorial example
Consider the heat exchange process shown in Figure 1. Suppose that you can adjust the inlet liquid rate
(w
& i ) and temperature (Ti), and the steam temperature (Ts) independently. The liquid outlet temperature
(To) and flow rate ( w
& o ), and the heat transfer rate ( q& ) vary accordingly.

Steam

Ts

. shell
q
Liquid In Liquid Out
. tube .
T i wi T o wo

Ts

Condensate
Figure 1 Shell-and-tube heat exchanger schematic

We make the following simplifying assumptions:

1. The inlet steam is saturated, and the condensate leaves as a saturated liquid at the same
temperature.
W
2. U = 800 2 A = 300 m2 , so UA = 240 kW/K (constant)
m K
3. Other constants: liquid density, ρL = 800 kg/m3; liquid holdup in tubes, VL = 2.1 m3; liquid
heat capacity, Cp= 1.8 kJ/kg-K, all independent of temperature.
4. Energy accumulation in the tube wall material is negligible.
5. Liquid in tubes is well-mixed in the radial and axial dimensions (a poor assumption if the tubes
are long) and incompressible.

Using background from previous courses (and a few additional assumptions), you should be able to
obtain the following model equations:

w& i = w& o = w& (1)

q& = UA(Ts − To ) (2)

dTo
wC p = w& C p (Ti − To ) + q& = w& C p (Ti − To ) + UA(Ts − To ) (3)
dt

where

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ChemE 480 A Simulink Tutorial N. L. Ricker
w& mass rate of liquid entering and leaving the tubes, kg/s
q& rate of heat transfer to the liquid in the tubes, kW
w mass of liquid in the tubes (=ρLVL), kg
UA product of overall heat transfer coefficient and tube surface area, kW/K
Ts steam temperature, oC
Ti, To temperature of liquid entering and leaving tubes, oC.
Cp specific heat of liquid at constant pressure, kJ/kg-K

Given the values of w& , Ti, and Ts as functions of time – and suitable initial conditions – it should be
possible to solve equations (2) and (3) for To and q& as functions of time. One way would be to use the
MATLAB techniques you used in CHEME 465. The purpose of this tutorial is to illustrate some related
methods that are more convenient for process control.

NOTE: All graphics are from a PC running MATLAB Version 6, Release 12.
Some window views may change on other configurations.

Figure 2 The Simulink Library Browser window has just been opened.

Building a Simulink model

Opening the Library Browser and model windows

With MATLAB running, type simulink1 in the command window. This opens the Simulink Library
Browser window (see Figure 2), which provides building blocks for model creation.
1
I’ll use a Courier font to represent MATLAB commands that you should type in the MATLAB Command
Window.
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ChemE 480 A Simulink Tutorial N. L. Ricker

Use the Library Browser’s File menu (or the blank document icon) to open a new model window. We
will build the model by copying Library blocks into this window.

The idea is to translate each equation into a sequence of blocks, and to hook them together in the
appropriate way to form a system. The variables in the equations become signals that vary with time.
Blocks perform mathematical operations on input signals to generate an output signals.

Modeling an algebraic equation

For example, consider the linear equation, y = mx + b , where m and b are constants. Suppose m=2, and
b=3. Let x be an independent function of time. Given x, you could easily calculate the dependent
variable, y, without resorting to a simulation, but we’ll use Simulink here to illustrate the concepts.

Figure 3 shows one way to set it up (signal labels in green added for clarity). In this case, x is being
modeled (arbitrarily) as a step function (the Step block). The x signal enters a Gain block, which
multiplies its input by a specified constant (m=2 in this case). Thus, the output of the Gain block is 2x.
To this we add the output of a Constant block, which is sending a value of b=3 here. Thus, the signal
going into the Scope is y = 2x + 3.

x(t) 2x(t) y(t)

Figure 3 Simulink representation of y = 2 x + 3 , where x is a step function.

The Scope provides a graphical display of its input as a function of time, and is just one of many things
we could do with our y signal. (Others include storing it on disk or in the MATLAB Workspace).

Copying blocks into your model

As an exercise, duplicate Figure 3 by dragging the appropriate blocks from the Library Browser to your
new model window. To begin, you need to locate the Step block. The list in the lower-left Browser
panel shows block categories. Click on the Sources category to reveal the standard Simulink signal
source blocks, which appear in the lower-right panel (see Figure 4). You will probably have to scroll
down to find the Step block (blocks appear in alpha order). Once you’ve found it, if your model window
is showing you can drag a copy of the Step block to it. Alternatively, you can right-click on the Step
block. The resulting menu gives you the option to paste the block into the model window.

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2
Next, add the remaining blocks to your model window. It can be frustrating to locate them . Here are
some hints: a Constant is another signal source, the Gain and Sum are math operations, and the Scope is
a signal sink.

Figure 4 Simulink Library Browser after clicking on Sources and selecting Step

Note: If you’re ever having trouble, type helpdesk in the MATLAB Command
Window, which opens the Help Browser. Use the Contents panel to navigate to
Simulink/Using Simulink/Block Reference/Simulink Block Libraries, which lists
each block by name. Clicking on a name brings up a detailed description,
including the block’s location in the library. Similarly, if you’re browsing the
Library and are uncertain of a particular library block’s purpose, right-click on it
and select help in the resulting menu to see the detailed description. Also, the
Library Browser’s upper panel provides a brief description of the selected block
(see Figure 4 for the Step block’s brief description).

2
Not only is it difficult to anticipate the operations available, but their assignments to the categories can be non-
obvious, and they tend to change from one Simulink version to the next. Electrical engineers were heavily involved
in Simulink’s development, which makes the presentation less intuitive for us.
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Entering block parameters
You should now have the five required blocks in your model window, arranged as shown in Figure 5.
The Gain and Constant values are incorrect, however (the defaults are 1). To fix these, double-click on
each, and enter the desired value in the parameter box.

Connecting blocks
The small > symbol on the right side of the Step block represents its output port. Note the input port on
the Gain block’s left side. Click and drag from the Step’s output to the Gain’s input to connect them.
The resulting signal line must have a solid, filled-in arrowhead, as in Figure 3. If not, the blocks aren’t
connected; try again. Similarly, connect the rest of the blocks until you obtain the result shown earlier in
Figure 3. Note the way Simulink automatically makes a neat right-angle connection when you connect
the Constant to the Sum.

Figure 5 Blocks copied from the standard Simulink library

Figure 6 The Step block's parameter menu

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Defining input signals
Now let’s set up a simulation. First, we define the input signal details. Double-click on the Step block to
open the menu shown in Figure 6. The default values shown will cause x to equal zero from the initial
time until the step occurs (at time = 1), when x will increase to 1 (instantly).

The zero sample time signifies that the block’s output will be a continuous function of time. If instead
we were to use a positive value, the block’s output would be defined at integer multiples of the sample
time, but undefined at all other times.

Leave all parameters at their defaults for this example.

Simulation parameters
Next we check the Simulation Parameters. In your model window, click on the Simulation menu and
select Simulation Parameters to open the window shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7 Simulation parameters menu, Solver tab

The Solver tab allows you to specify the time at which the simulation starts and stops (which depends on
the time scale of your problem3).

The other key area on the Solver tab is Solver options. The default, ode45, is a variable-step-size, 4th-
order Runge Kutta method, which is a good all-around choice, but is poor for stiff problems4, and there
are situations where a fixed-step-size algorithm would be better. See the Simulink Help for details.
We’ll stick with ode45 here.

Finally, the tolerances for the numerical solution can have an impact. If you ever suspect that your
results are inaccurate, try decreasing the tolerance by an order of magnitude or two. If the results change
significantly, decrease them even further. Also make sure your problem definition is reasonable, and that

3
This can be a confusing and subtle issue. Your problem definition implicitly determines the units of time used in
the simulation. All your equations must use consistent time units or the results will be incorrect.
4
See also Riggs, Sec. 3.7, pp 123-125.
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ChemE 480 A Simulink Tutorial N. L. Ricker
you are using the appropriate solver option. You should check the entries on the Workspace I/O tab;
we’ll use the defaults here.

Close the simulation parameters window. As the final preparation for the simulation, double-click on the
Scope to open the graphical display.

Start
Button

Figure 8 Ready to start the simulation

Running the simulation

Now click the Start Button (see Figure 8). The simulation begins (the Start button changes to a Pause
icon, and the Stop button to its right becomes active). The elapsed time appears in the box just to the left
of the simulation option (bottom of model window) and the y signal trace appears on the scope. (Since
this simulation is trivial, it runs so rapidly that you may not be able to see things changing.) On a
computer with sound you should hear a beep when the simulation ends.

Figure 9 Scope display of the y signal

Figure 9 shows the final result (the yellow line). As one would expect from the problem definition, y
starts at 3, and increases to 5 at t = 1.

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The default y scale (-5 to +5) isn’t a very good choice here. To zoom in on the y signal, try clicking on
the binocular icon. Other icons allow you to zoom in on selected parts of the plot, permanently set the
axis scales (for use in a later simulation), etc. See the Scope block’s detailed description for more
information.

Modeling a first-order differential equation

Most of the models you’ll develop in ChemE 480 include unsteady-state conservation equations (mass,
energy, and/or momentum), usually first-order differential equations (see, e.g., Equation 3). As an
example we consider a linear, first-order ODE with constant coefficients,

dy
+ 2 y = 3x + 1 (4)
dt

where y is a dependent function of time, and x is independent. To form a Simulink model we first
rearrange (4) to solve for the derivative,

dy
= 3x + 1 − 2 y (5)
dt

Then we arrange Simulink blocks to compute the y derivative, and integrate it to calculate y. (We need y
to compute the derivative, so the model must include a “recycle”.) Figure 10 shows one way to set it up
(I have added the signal labels to help you understand it – they aren’t part of the normal display).

x(t)

3x(t) dy/dt y(t)

x(t) 3x(t)+1

2y(t)

Figure 10 Simulink model of a linear, first-order ODE

Try duplicating this, keeping the following points in mind:

We’re assuming (arbitrarily) that x(t) is a sinusoid. Use the default parameters for the Sine Wave block
(in Sources), which gives you a continuous sine wave with a unity amplitude and a frequency of 1 radian
per time unit (the documentation claims that the time unit is seconds, but that isn’t true in general as
explained previously). Thus, the sine wave’s period will be 2π time units.

I dragged a Gain block in from the Library Browser, then used control-click and drag to make a copy.
Simulink automatically gives the copy a different name (Gain 1). It requires all the block names in a

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system to be unique. Then I right-clicked on the copy and selected Format/Flip Block to reverse its
direction (you can also rotate, etc.).

I also duplicated the Sum block. By default, Simulink hides its name, but each is unique. (You can right-
click and use the format menu to show the name if you wish.)

One of the Sum blocks must do a subtraction. To accomplish this, double-click on the block and edit the
sign symbols in the block parameter box. Try different combinations of the signs (and the vertical bar),
clicking apply each time to see the effect (or read the block help). You can add a third input by including
a third sign symbol.

The Integrator block is from the Continuous category. The significance of its 1/s icon derives from
Laplace transforms. Its key parameter is the initial condition, which sets the value of its output when the
simulation begins (i.e., y(0) in our case). Use the default (zero).

The black vertical bar just to the left of the scope is a Mux block (from Signals & Systems). It combines
the scalar x(t) and y(t) signals into a vector signal. The only reason for doing this is to plot x(t) and y(t)
on the same scope (the scope has only one input port, which can accept either a scalar or a vector signal).
Another way would be to define two scopes, one connected to each scalar signal, which would be better
if the x and y magnitudes were very different.

y(t)

x(t)

Figure 11 Simulation results for ODE example

The small black dots on two of the signal lines are solder junctions (another EE influence). All lines
entering/leaving a solder junction are connected and carry the same signal.

To make a solder junction, move the cursor to the desired location, then control-click-and-drag to start
drawing the new signal line. After you’ve made a solder joint you can move it around by clicking-and-
dragging. You can also move signal line sections and blocks.

It’s possible for signal lines to cross without forming a solder junction (try it). In that case, the signals
are unconnected.

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Use the Simulation Parameters menu to set the stop time to 30. To make the plots look better, set the
maximum step size to 0.15. Next, run the simulation

Figure 11 shows the results (with superimposed x(t) and y(t) signal labels for clarity). Use the binoculars
icon to zoom in on the curves. The steady sinusoidal input, x(t), eventually causes a sinusoidal output
having the same frequency but a different phase. We will study such frequency responses in more detail
later.

Using subsystems
Modeling a single algebraic or differential equation is fairly easy, but what about multi-equation
systems? It’s really no different. You define each equation and its variables (signals), then combine
equations by connecting the signals they have in common.

One problem is that the diagram can become complicated, making it hard to understand the model. You
can reduce the apparent complexity by defining subsystems.

For example, consider combining (5) with another differential equation:

dz
= 2 x − y − 3z (6)
dt

Adding this to our previous model would be easy, and the diagram would still be fairly clear, but we will
use subsystems to illustrate the concept.

Start with a new model window. Drag in a SubSystem block (from the SubSystems group). Edit the
block name, changing it to “Equation 5”. Next make a copy, naming it “Equation 6.” Your model
window should now resemble Figure 12 (I have named the model TwoODEs).

Figure 12 Two (renamed) subsystem blocks

Double-click on Equation 5 to open it. You get a new blank window, which looks just like a normal
model window. We will use this to define equation 5.

5
If you don’t do this, Simulink will maximize the step size to speed up the calculations. As a result, some of the
points will be far apart and joined by straight lines, so they won’t look like true sinusoids. The calculated points
will still be accurate, however.
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First note that equation 5 involves one “input” variable (x) and one “output” (y). To allow x to enter the
subsystem we need to define an input port. Find the block named In1 in the Library Browser’s Signals &
Systems category. Drag it into the Equation 5 window and rename it “x”.

Similarly, we need to send the y signal out of this subsystem (it’s needed in equation 6 and we may wish
to plot it). Find the Browser’s Out1 block, drag it into the Equation 5 window, and rename it y. Then
define Equation 5 as before6. Figure 13 shows the completed subsystem window.

Figure 13 Equation 5 subsystem

Close the Equation 5 subsystem and return to the main model window. The Equation 5 icon has
changed. It now shows the input and output ports, which are labeled with the appropriate names. Repeat
the procedure to create equation 6, which requires two inputs (x and y) and generates one output (z).

Figure 14 Equation 6 subsystem

Figure 14 shows one possible arrangement. Note the use of a 3-input summation block (you could also
use two 2-input summation blocks). Close Equation 6 and return to the main model window.

6
If you still have the model we developed in the previous section you can copy-and-paste its blocks into the
Equation 5 window. Just drag a selection rectangle around the blocks you want to copy.
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Connect the subsystems (output y of Equation 5 to input y of Equation 6). Then define the x(t) signal.
This time use the Pulse Generator. Set its period to 10 and leave its other block parameters at their
defaults. Add a Mux (with 3 inputs – change the block parameter from 2 to 3) and Scope, and set up to
plot x, y, and z on the same scope.

Figure 15 shows the final arrangement. (Note the way the x and y signals cross – they are unconnected.)
Define the Simulation Parameters for a 30 time-unit run, with a maximum step size of 0.1. Then run the
simulation

Figure 15 Main model window with defined subsystems and input

Figure 16 shows the results. The yellow trace is the periodic pulse input, x(t). The purple is y(t), and the
cyan is z(t). As with the sinusoidal input, the outputs eventually behave periodically. Would you have
anticipated this result?

Figure 16 Simulation results for TwoODE system

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Heat exchanger model development

Specifications
The previous sections have covered the tools needed to simulate the heat exchanger. As an exercise,
define a Simulink model of equations 2 and 3 (you can ignore equation 1, which is just a definition). It
should have three independent variables (inputs): Ti, Ts, and w
& . Also define two dependent variables
(outputs): q& and To. The model’s initial conditions should be a steady-state with the inputs at the
following values:
Ti = 100
w& = 100 / 3
Ts = 150
Define each input to be a step starting from the above initial conditions. Plot the two outputs on separate
scopes. (Hint: the Gain block multiplies a signal by a constant. It doesn’t multiply two signals. You’ll
need another block for that.)

Run three simulations. In each case, make a unit-step change in one of the inputs (beginning at t = 5),
and hold the other two inputs constant. Each simulation should vary a different input. Run each
simulation for 50 time units. Save the model for use later. Answer the following questions:

1. What time units are being used?

2. What are the initial conditions for the two outputs?
3. Are the responses qualitatively reasonable in each case?

A solution – Simulink diagrams

Figure 17 Heat exchanger model -- main window

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Figure 18 Heat transfer rate subsystem

Figure 19 Energy balance subsystem

Response to Ts unit step

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Response to Ti unit step

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Response to inlet flow rate unit step

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Remarks
• The initial conditions are To = 140 , q& = 2400 .
• The time units are seconds (because we defined all heat exchanger model parameters in terms of
seconds).
• The integrator in Figure 19 requires an initial condition for To (the initial steady-state value).
• Note the use of variable names rather than numbers in the gain block parameter definitions. If
you do this you must define each such variable in the MATLAB workspace before running the
simulation. Thus, for example, you would type Cp=1.8; in the Command window to define the
specific heat value. This may seem cumbersome, but it makes the model easier to understand. It
also makes it easy to modify a parameter – you just change its value in the workspace instead of
worrying about modifying all the blocks in which that parameter appears.
• The response of To to a unit-step in Ti is the least realistic. If the tubes were long and flow were
turbulent (plug flow) it would take a while for the change in Ti to show up in To (because the
fluid temperature change would move down the tube, carried along by convection).

A more realistic heat exchanger model

To better approximate plug flow in the tubes we divide the exchanger into sections. Each section will
use the same equations and model structure developed previously. In other words, each section will have
well-mixed tubes at a uniform temperature. The fluid leaving one section flows to the next. The more
sections, the more closely we approximate plug flow.

Creating a masked block

To make this easy to do we introduce another Simulink feature: creating a masked block. (This is how
the blocks in the Library were made.) You should consider doing this any time you create a subunit that
could be re-used in another model7.

To begin, create a new model window and put a single subsystem block in it, and name it HeatX Section.
Open the subsystem window. Open your saved heat exchanger model and copy it into the subsystem
block. Define Ts, Ti, and w
& as input ports, and To and w& as output ports (eliminate the step function and

7
You can maintain your own library of specialized blocks. See the Simulink documentation for more about
libraries.
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scope blocks). All block parameters should be in terms of the variable names w, Cp, and UA, as shown
in Figure 18 and Figure 19. Also, use the name To_0 to represent the integrator’s initial condition.

Figure 20 Block to model a heat exchanger section

Figure 21 Heat exchanger section details

The result should resemble Figure 20 and Figure 21. Now we mask the block, which isolates its
parameters from those defining other blocks, and provides a convenient user interface. Close the
subsystem block window (Figure 21), right-click on the HeatX Section block in the main window (Figure
20), and select mask subsystem. This opens the Mask Editor window (see Figure 22).

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Figure 22 Mask editor -- Icon tab

The Icon tab allows you to create an icon for your block. We won’t bother with that, but you might want
to use it in the future.

Select the Initialization tab (see Figure 23). Its main purpose is to define any variables appearing in your
model. We will create an interface that allows one to specify the specific heat, liquid mass, UA value,
and initial tube fluid temperature.

Start by typing “Initial fluid temperature, C” in the prompt box. Then type the corresponding variable
name (To_0) in the variable box. You can leave the Control type and Assignment selections at their
defaults. Then click on the Add button, which allows you to define an additional variable. Repeat for the
remaining three.

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Figure 23 Mask editor -- Initialization tab

The Mask editor window should now resemble Figure 24. It will depend, or course, on the descriptions
you used and the order in which you entered them. If you wish, you can modify the order by selecting
one of the entries in the parameter list box and using the Up or Down button.

The Initialization commands area allows you to enter MATLAB commands as needed to define things in
your model prior to execution. This provides a great deal of flexibility. These commands can use
variables in your parameter list as inputs8. But leave it blank for this exercise.

8
See the Simulink documentation for more on masking.
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Figure 24 Mask editor with block parameters defined

Figure 25 User interface for the HeatX Section block

Now click the OK button to close the Mask Editor (don’t use the close button or you’ll lose your entries).
Double-click on your HeatX Section block. Now instead of opening the subsystem window you get a
block parameter dialog window, which should resemble Figure 25.

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The variables within the masked block are now isolated from the MATLAB workspace and all other
blocks. The only way to set the parameters is through the dialog window. This makes inadvertent
changes less likely.

If you wish to see or modify the underlying model, right-click on the block and select Look under mask.
Some changes may require you to modify the mask, in which case you should right-click on the block and
select Edit mask.

Using the masked block

Before using a new block as a building block you need to test it to make sure it’s working as expected.
Check its operation against the results you obtained previously. When convinced that it’s OK, use the
block to create a 4-section heat exchanger. This should have the same total heat exchange area and tube
volume as before, and the tube volume in each section should be ¼ of the total. Plot the outlet
temperature from each section on one scope, and the total heat transfer rate on another. Answer the
following questions:

1. If the inputs are the same as before, what are the steady-state outputs?
2. Is there a significant qualitative difference in the response to a unit-step in Ti?

A 4-section exchanger configuration using the masked block

Remarks
• The steady-state temperatures leaving each section are 125, 137.5, 143.75, and 146.875 C,
respectively. Thus, plug flow provides more efficient use of the heat exchanger area (higher

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outlet temperature). A convenient way to find these values is to start the model at a reasonable
initial condition and run it with constant inputs for long enough to reach steady state. You could
also solve the steady-state equations algebraically.
• The step in Ti now causes a much slower increase in To, including an initial delay of about 5
seconds before anything happens. To see this you will need to zoom in on the final outlet
temperature, or plot it on a separate scope.

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