Can Simscape models be build programmatically?

I want to build a Simscape model for thermal liquids programmatically.

I took some code from https://www.goddardconsulting.ca/simulink-creating-using-matlab-code.html#BuildingAModel and adapted it.

sim_name='pipes';
if exist(sim_name,'file') == 4
    % If it does then check whether it's open
    if bdIsLoaded(sim_name)
        % If it is then close it (without saving!)
        close_system(sim_name,0)
    end
    % delete the file
    delete([sim_name,'.mdl']);
end

new_system(sim_name)
y=50;
add_block(['Simscape/Foundation Library/Thermal Liquid/Elements/Pipe (TL)'], [sim_name,'/pipes'],'Position', [140+x 95 170+x 125]);

this throws the error There is no block named 'Simscape/Foundation Library/Thermal Liquid/Elements/Pipe (TL)'

Caused by:

Error using untitled8

Unable to load block diagram 'Simscape'

For blocks ordered under Simulink in the Library Browser, this problem does not occur.

Is there any way to build simscape models programmatically?

Answer 1

[Fangjun Jiang]

I tried this and the block was added. To figure out for other blocks, open the library file, select the block and run "gcb" in MATLAB Command Window

add_block('fl_lib/Thermal Liquid/Elements/Pipe (TL)', ...)

[Claudius Rosendahl]

Thank you! Adding the pipe works fine. I'm not sure I understand how to figure out the correct library directory for other blocks.

I don't understand what you mean by opening the library file. I know how to open the library browser in an extra window. But when I select a block in the library browser (light blue highlight) and run gcb (get current block, I suppose), it does not show the path of the block selected in the library browser, but the last selected block in my simulation, e.g. 'multi_pipes/pipes' when I had previously selected the block I created with

add_block('fl_lib/Thermal Liquid/Elements/Pipe (TL)', [sim_name,'/pipes'],'Position', [140+x 95 170+x 125]); 

I tried using a new empty model, but the result is basically the same, i.e. I don't learn the library path.

Edit: I went to

C:\Program Files\MATLAB\R2022b\toolbox\physmod\simscape\simscape\m

And found the library simscape.slx. When I double-click on "Fluids" a new window opens and the header line reads SimscapeFluids_lib. This is the other library I'm using so now I'm satisfied. This seems like a rather cumbersome way to go about it and I think the solution you suggested is easier if applied correctly (which I failed to do). So I would still appreciate if you'd clarify.

For any readers wondering how I got to that file path: I used a normal file search in the MATLAB folder for fl_lib in hope of finding the library file @Fangjun Jiang was talking about. To add a block from this library, the code is something like this

add_block('SimscapeFluids_lib/Thermal Liquid/Pipes & Fittings/Pipe (TL)', [sim_name,'/pipes2'],'Position', [140+2*x 95 170+2*x 125]);

Cheers,

Claudius

[Fangjun Jiang]

At the library browser, select any library, right click, select "Open ..."

[Claudius Rosendahl]

awesome, thanks!