Interface Simulink based clutch device with Simscape driveline loop

Hello Everyone!

I am trying to simulated the gear change behavior in a vehicle transmission using Simulink and Simscape driveline The gearbox itself is modeled with Simscape driveline but the clutch is based on Simulink model. The below picture shows the driveline clutch element but I will replace it with simulink model.

I am not sure how I can interface both Simulink clutch model and the driveline loop. The model contains the rotational dynamics of both clutch sides and the conditon for engagement. So, the sum of torques on each side can be cacluted as well as the individual rotational speed.

Thank you!

Answer 1

[Steve Miller]

Hi Ayham,

Breaking a Simscape network completely with Simulink elements is very challenging. You will end up inserting delays which can lead to your system going numerically unstable. Normally, if you must to do that, you insert the Simulink elements where there is some compliance in your system (spring-damper, compressibility, capacitance, ...) and you can incorporate the physical effect into the delay.

In this case, I would recommend you try to use Simulink to calculate your clutch characteristics but use a Variable Rotational Damper or even the Fundamental Friction Clutch block. If you can implement your Simulink logic in Simscape language, you can avoid all delays as well.

--Steve

[Ayham Aljawabrah]

Hi Steve,

Thank you for your response. The workflow with simscape language seems easier to flow, but I am no familiar with Simscape language, so, I would kindly inquire about few things.

my model is as shown in the below figure and these subsystems contains only equations. as it can be seen, these models can exchange data between each other and some calculation requires the integration of the Across variable (dtheta/dt) or rotational speed, and the value of theta shall be saved throughout the entire simulation range. Also, I have several DEs relating to axial and rotational dynamics to be solved togather.

what is the level of difficulty to convert it for simscape language, and how can I handle these several DEs with Simscape language?

[Steve Miller]

Those force laws are similar to components that ship with Simscape libraries. You can look at the source code and the documentation for simple blocks, such as a rotational damper, and that will give you some guidance. You will need to learn the basics of the language, so I suggest you start with this tutorial: https://www.mathworks.com/help/physmod/simscape/lang/model-linear-resistor-in-simscape-language.html

--Steve

[Ayham Aljawabrah]

Thank you! This Helping