How do I choose the right abstraction level for system simulation?

How can I make use of equation-based modelling?

When is Modelica the right technology to choose?

Learn the principles of system simulation and the practical skills to build, verify and structure your own models in Modelica.

Introduction to System Simulation with Modelica

Four-Session Online Training Course | Tutor: Hubertus Tummescheit

Principles of multi-physics system simulation with the Modelica language, for design, sizing, optimisation and transient operation.

3D simulation tells you how a component behaves. System simulation tells you how the whole system behaves. This course introduces system simulation from the ground up: why and when to use it, how it differs from the 3D methods used in fluid flow and structural mechanics, and how to approach a system modelling project with confidence. That includes best practices for getting started and the principles of model verification and validation for system-level work.

The vehicle for all of this is Modelica, a tool-independent, equation-based language used across industry for multi-physics system simulation. Extensive examples show what Modelica can do in simulation, optimisation and system sizing, and as a language built on equations it is also a natural fit for modelling support through agentic AI.

The course then teaches the language itself: equation-based modelling, algorithms and functions, and basic model structuring. That is enough for delegates to complete a set of hands-on modelling exercises, which are worked through and analysed in detail in a dedicated session. The final session covers the advanced language concepts needed to structure complex system models, including modelling system variants, exploring alternative architectures, handling the numerical complexities specific to system modelling, and building reusable libraries with structured product and specification data.

Roughly a quarter of the course covers system simulation principles; the rest is practical, exercise-driven Modelica.

Who Should Attend?

Any engineer who needs to apply, or is interested in, system-level simulation. That includes simulation engineers who want to integrate component models into system models, control engineers who need plant models for control design, and mechanical,electrical or process engineers who need to build and use system-level models of their products. Systems engineers working in MBSE who want a deeper understanding of system simulation will also benefit.

No prior Modelica experience is required.

What Will You Learn?

How to use Modelica for system modelling and simulation
Efficient use of Modelica libraries for model composition
How to build your own Modelica library
Principles of system analysis

Software Requirements

The course is code-independent and can be completed with any Modelica tool that fully supports the Modelica Standard Library (MSL) version 4.0 or later, desktop or cloud based, supporting both graphical and textual modelling.

Recommended preparation: work through a basic online tutorial for your chosen tool before the first session.

Course Programme

This is a live web-based e-learning course with a total of 6 hours of tuition, presented as four 90-minute sessions. Exercises take the form of practical modelling problems: delegates code the models and run the simulations themselves, and full solutions with expected response trajectories are distributed after the course. Delegates will be provided with copies of all lecture slides, prepared exercise documents, and downloadable Modelica code to speed up the getting-started experience.

Session 1: Introduction to Systems Modelling

What is system simulation?
Occam's razor adapted to modelling
Best practices to start a modelling project
What about controls and software?
Validation and verification for systems simulation
Overview of the relevant standards
Modelica libraries: the key to efficient modelling and reuse of validated models
Some interesting examples of system simulation projects
Why equation-based modelling is a great fit for agentic AI
Online resources

Session 2: Introduction to the Modelica Language

Introduction: a first example
Basic types, declarations and units
Equations and algorithms
Special classes: models, functions, blocks
Vector and array types, predefined functions
Structuring data and classes
Summary: best practices

Session 3: Worked Exercises for Model Building and Verification

A second-order mechanical model, built from components
The coffee mug cooldown problem: building an example from first principles
A solar collector system model, built from equations

Session 4: Advanced Modelica Concepts and Next Steps

Organising models in packages
Organising data in records
Advanced Modelica constructs: component interaction and field variables, replaceable models and components, functions with user-defined derivatives, hybrid modelling
Building a Modelica library: a recipe and best practices
Using agentic AI to support your modelling and simulation work

Course Process and Details

This is a 4-session online training course, with each session lasting approximately 90 minutes, depending on homework submissions, questions & discussions. You can attend the sessions live, and/or stream on demand.

A full set of notes in PDF format will be available for download. Personal passwords are provided to allow you to access e-learning backup material via our discussion forum. Reading lists, homework submissions and supplementary information are all available via the discussion forum.

To get the most out of the course, participation in forum discussions is very much encouraged. Typically the forum remains open for 4 weeks after the last live session.

For additional info on telephony charges please email e-learning@nafems.org.

PDH Credits: 6