Mechatronic Modeling and Domain Transformation of Multi-physics Systems

The enhanced definition of Mechatronics involves the four underlying characteristics of integrated,unified,unique,and systematic approaches.In this realm,Mechatronics is not limited to electro-mechanical systems,in the multi-physics sense,but involves other physical domains such as fluid and thermal.This paper summarizes the mechatronic approach to modeling.Linear graphs facilitate the development of state-space models of mechatronic systems,through this approach.The use of linear graphs in mechatronic modeling is outlined and an illustrative example of sound system modeling is given.Both time-domain and frequency-domain approaches are presented for the use of linear graphs.A mechatronic model of a multi-physics system may be simplified by converting all the physical domains into an equivalent single-domain system that is entirely in the output domain of the system.This approach of converting(transforming)physical domains is presented.An illustrative example of a pressure-controlled hydraulic actuator system that operates a mechanical load is given.