AMESim

AMESim = Advanced Modeling Environment for performing

Simulations of engineering systems.
AMESim is a 1D lumped parameter time domain simulation platform.
AMESim uses symbols to represent individual components within the system
which are either:
• based on the standard symbols used in the engineering field such as ISO
symbols for hydraulic components or block diagram symbols for control systems
or when no such standard symbols exist:
• symbols which give an easily recognizable pictorial representation of the
system.
 Communication with other software

Interfaces: a direct communication Export facility: to pilot AMESim

path between softwares to enable simulation executables from outside
them to work together so that you AMESim by defining inputs and
can obtain the best features of each. outputs of the model and
postprocessing operations.
 Saved data
Files that represent an AMESim model:
• NAME.ame: this file contains the whole collection of files necessary for the model concatenated into a
single file (TAR format) and optionally compressed to save disk space. It is not an ASCII file. The file
collection may contain:
• NAME_.000.png: the image used to display a preview of the model.
• NAME_.c: the source code generated by AMESim for the model.
• NAME_.cir: a description of the complete system including the form and position of each component, the position of each line, a description of
each submodel and values currently set, description and position of any text annotating the system, details of any linear analysis requested.
• NAME_.data: contains parameter values set for the model which will be read when the executable runs. These values are ordered according to the
parameter list defined in the '.param' file (see below).
• NAME_.err: counts how many times each state and implicit variable limited the integration step size.
• NAME_.exe: (Windows) or NAME_ (Unix): the executable created for the model.
• NAME_.geo: contains geometrical information generated by the Planar Mechanical library, for post-processing by AMEAnimation.
• NAME_.gp: contains the list of global parameters defined in the model.
• NAME_.la: contains the details of any linear analysis requested.
• NAME_.lock: contains details on the 'locked/unlocked' status of state variables. This file is only used in a stabilizing run.
• NAME_.make: contains instructions required to compile the source code and produce the executable.
• NAME_.obj (compiled with MSVC++ under Windows) or NAME_.o (compiled with GCC under Windows, or compiled under Unix): the object file
corresponding to the source code of the model.
• NAME_.param: contains a list of all parameters preceded by their submodel name and instance. See the '.var' file below.
• NAME_.results: contains the results of a simulation run.
• NAME_.results.n: contains the results of the nth batch simulation run.
• NAME_.sad: define characteristics of a batch run ('varying between two limits' option).
• NAME_.sai: define characteristics of a batch run ('user-defined data sets' option).
• NAME_.sim: contains parameters specifying the run as set in the 'Run Parameters' dialog box.
• NAME_.ssf: define which variables are to be saved in the results file.
• NAME_.state: contains a list of the state and implicit variables. The latter includes both implicit variables declared in submodels and those
generated by AMESim to resolve implicit loops.
• NAME_.var: contains a list of all external and internal variables used for the current model. Each item in the list consists in the submodel name and
instance number, variable title and units.
 AMESim basics
Creating a simulation in AMESim:
• A sketch is built by adding symbols or icons to a drawing area.
• Mathematical descriptions of components are associated with the icons.
• The features and parameters of the components are set.
• A simulation run is initiated.
• Graphs are plotted to interpret the system behavior.
Model of the system: the set of equations defining the dynamic behavior of the
engineering system and its implementation as computer code.
Submodel: the equations and corresponding code for each component within the
system.
AMESim contains large libraries of icons and submodels of components.
 Diversity of complexity

Tabulated model with

F(x,I) and L(x,I)
Lumped parameter model
taking into account the
Different level of assumptions
actuator geometry, the
material magnetic
Constant Bulk modulus β properties (without or with
and density ρ hysteresis, eddy current),
β and ρ function of pressure the leakages…
(aeration and cavitation)
β and ρ function of pressure
and temperature (thermal Laminar and turbulent
effects) flow
Cavitation number
Diversity of complexity
AMESim concepts: Basic elements

...
 AMESim concepts: Modeling levels

4 levels of modeling:
/*Calculation Function Executable Statements*/
/* Jack area */
area = c[0];
*q1 = (*v3) * area / q0top_(p1);
*f3 = (*f2) + (*p1) * area; Component level
*length = x0 - *x3;
*vol1 = *length * area;
Equation level (AMESet)

Elementary technical functions Block Diagram

 AMESim concepts: Solver

• Automatic and dynamic selection of the

integration algorithm
– ODE : LSODA ( )
+Adams Moulton (non stiff)
+GEAR’S Methods (stiff)
– DAE : DASSL ( )
• Rigorous discontinuity handling
• Possibility to create own libraries with
AMESet
• Access to source code
 AMESim concepts: Multiport approach

Signal approach: Multiport approach:

• purely mathematical • components are interconnected
by rules based on the exchange of
• for automation experts
power through the connections
• for engineers

QP pP
P1
QA
P2

Q1
QB
Q2
 AMESim concepts: Ports

Ports: The points at which icons are connected together.

If a component icon has no ports then it cannot be connected to any other

component (it can communicate though).

A port can only be connected to another port of precisely the same type.
(Exception: signal ports can be attached to any other port.)

Port types:

linear rotary hydraulic electrical signal signal thermal

pneumatic input output
or thermal
flow
 AMESim concepts: Ports
Port types:
• Linear ports: shafts with 1D linear motion (e.g. rod of an actuator).
Associated quantities: force and velocity.

• Rotary ports: rotating shafts (e.g. pump and motor shafts).

Associated quantities: torque and rotary velocity.

• Flow ports: hydraulic, pneumatic or thermal fluids representing flow inlets or outlets (e.g.
hydraulic pump).
Associated quantities: gauge pressure and volumetric flow rate (hydraulic), absolute
pressure and mass flow rate (pneumatic) or absolute temperature and thermal power
(thermal flow).

• Electrical ports: transmit electrical power.

Associated quantities: voltage and current.

• Signal ports: transmit a quantity, the signal, to the next component. A signal is received at
a signal input port and transmitted at a signal output port.
Associated quantities: n/a

• Thermal ports: heat flow between solids or between a solid and a fluid.
Associated quantities: temperature and thermal power.
 AMESim concepts: Libraries

Mechanical
Since all kinds of systems usually interface with some form of
mechanical system these components complement other libraries. The
library is often also used in isolation to simulate complete mechanical
systems. Linear and rotary motion elements included.
Typical components: masses, springs, dampers, contact elements,
backlashes, frictions, levers and gear ratios, elastic cables and sheave
wheels.

Control
This library contains all the components necessary to control, measure
and observe your system. Many signals, sources and mathematical
functions are included. This library may be used to create block-diagram
models of systems (if desired).
Typical components: sources, sinks, gains, integrators, lag networks,
transfer functions, equation blocks, table lookup blocks and many more.
 AMESim concepts: Libraries

Hydraulic
The hydraulic library contains many general hydraulic components
(pumps, lines, valves, actuators) suitable for simulating ideal dynamic
behavior based on component performance parameters.
Typical components: fluid properties, nodes, tanks, pressure and flow
sources, accumulators, several valves, orifices, pumps, motors, and
actuators.

Hydraulic Lines
By connecting components with a mouse click, the user can select
between 10 different hydraulic line models. The models vary in
complexity to allow for gradual model complexity increase. Some of the
advanced models take full wave effects, cavitation, frequency
dependant friction, compressibility and line wall compliance into account.
 AMESim concepts: Libraries

Hydraulic Component Design (HCD)

This library contains the basic building blocks of any hydromechanical
system. Models built with this category include anything from diesel
injectors to servo valves or semi-active dampers. As the submodels are
component based, interpretation of the model layout is intuitive.
Typical components: mass with frictions, pistons, leakages, spools with
annular orifice, with orifice hole, with slot orifices, poppets with sharp
edge seat, with conical seat, with no seat, with plain seat, ball poppets,
orifice with flow number and cavitation number
Hydraulic Resistance (HR)
In certain low-pressure/high flow rate applications (e.g. lubrication
systems) it is essential to predict the overall pressure drop due to friction
and restrictions thus ensuring proper operation of the system. The
hydraulic resistance library allows to calculate the steady state pressure
drop based on the geometrical layout.
Typical components: pipe components, junctions and special orifice
geometries.
 AMESim concepts: Libraries

Pneumatic (PN)
Contains component level models (valves, accumulators, actuators,
pipes) to model large networks, and basic elements (volume,
restrictions, springs, spools) to design complex pneumatic components
(example: pressure regulator for methane injection).
Typical components: gas properties, pressure and flow sources, valves,
orifices and actuators

Pneumatic Lines
For connecting pneumatic components, there are 8 different pneumatic
line models. The models vary in complexity to allow for gradual model
complexity increase. Some of the advanced models take full wave
effects, frequency dependant friction, compressibility and line wall
compliance into account.
 AMESim concepts: Libraries

Thermal (TH)
The thermal library is used to study heat transfer in solids and
interaction between the thermal hydraulic and the thermal pneumatic
libraries in order to analyze complex system (e.g. car engine). The
thermal components allow the calculation of heat flow and losses
through convection, radiation or conduction elements.
Typical components: Thermal solid properties, temperature and heat
flow sources, thermal capacity, conductive, convective and radiative
exchange
Thermal hydraulic (THH)
Similar to the elements of the Hydraulic Resistance library, the Thermal
Hydraulic components compute the heat generated by friction in the
pipes, bends and restrictions and allow heat transfer with the circuit
environment.
Typical components: similar to the hydraulic resistance library
 AMESim concepts: Libraries

Thermal Hydraulic Component Design (THCD)

Similar to the HCD library, but with the inclusion of thermal effects such
as heating of fluids and thermal inertias.
Typical components: similar to the HCD library

Thermal Pneumatic (THPN)

Used for modelling heat exchange between pneumatic networks and
their environment. The library includes elementary geometry elements
(pipes, restrictions, bends, volumes, junctions) equipped with a thermal
port to transfer heat to solids. It also include a gas / liquid heat
exchanger to link pneumatic networks with cooling circuits.
Typical components: similar to the hydraulic resistance library
 AMESim concepts: Libraries

Cooling Systems (CS)

This library allows engines and other thermal machines to be modeled
from a global point of view. E.g. combination of models for the cooling
system, lubrication system, and exhaust system can be used to study
the complete thermal behavior of an engine.
Typical components: pumps, engine, radiators, thermostats, heater
component, expansion tank, EGR, condenser and compressor

Filling (FI)
The filling library is similar to the hydraulic resistance library, but
specialized for determination (for instance) of the time taken to fill the
lubrication circuits of an engine with oil during startup. The models
usually contain two working fluids (air and oil) although the working
fluids are not considered to mix.
Typical components: similar to the hydraulic resistance library
 AMESim concepts: Libraries

Powertrain (TR)
This library contains components which allows to model systems such
as driveline or complete gearboxes, including vibration and loss effects.
Coupling with the hydraulic and magnetic library components can lead
to models such as an automatic gearbox.
Typical components: engine, crankshaft-piston, torque converter, clutch
friction, CVT, gears, idle gears, synchronizer, band brake, multi-discs
clutch and brake, planetary geartrain, transfer box, differential, tire,
vehicle, universal joint.
Electro-Mechanical (EM)
This library contains elements such as air gaps, metal elements,
magnets and coils to construct a 1D equivalent of a magnetic circuit
such as a solenoid. Contains dynamic effects such as hysteresis and
electric properties.
Typical components: magnetic properties, solenoid models based on
look-up tables, coils, axial and radial magnetic elements, air gaps,
leakages, permanent magnet, common command circuits, resistor,
capacitor, inductor, diode, switch, nodes, earth, current and voltage
sources.