MapleSim Docs
Configure and simulate multi-domain physical systems (mechanical, electrical, hydraulic).
What Is MapleSim?
MapleSim is Maplesoft's advanced system-level modeling and simulation tool. It applies linear and non-linear mathematical techniques to develop high-fidelity, multi-domain physical models.
Installation
Download from the Maplesoft website. Available for Windows and Linux (requires a valid Maple installation as its mathematical engine).
Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Model Workspace | Drag-and-drop components to build multi-domain systems |
| Component Library | Hundreds of pre-built components (hydraulics, electronics, multibody) |
| Acausal Modeling | Connect components based on physical connections, not signal flow |
| Symbolic Formulation | Automatically generates clean, efficient parametric equations |
| 3D Visualization | Animate multibody mechanical systems automatically |
| Code Generation | Export high-performance C-code or FMUs for HIL and hardware deployment |
Workflow
- Open MapleSim and create a new model workspace
- Drag and drop physical components from the library pallette
- Connect components using physical routing ports
- Define parameters (mass, resistance, fluid viscosity) in the Inspector panel
- Run the simulation and analyze results via the plot window or 3D playback
When to Use MapleSim
| Task | Use MapleSim? |
|---|---|
| System-level architecture | Yes (rapidly test physical topologies) |
| Multi-domain simulation | Yes (seamlessly couple mechanical, electrical, and fluid systems) |
| Deriving exact equations | Yes (extracts symbolic equations directly to Maple) |
| Real-time HIL testing | Yes (via high-speed code generation) |
| Detailed FEA stress analysis | No (use specialized finite element software) |
| Control loop design | Yes (integrate plant models with controller blocks) |
Powertrain Mechanism Setup
For each custom rotational sub-assembly:
- Drag a 3D Multibody or 1D Rotational component into the subsystem
- Define the geometric constraints and inertia tensors in the Inspector panel
- Attach a Flexible Shaft or Gear Constraint to link domains
- Run an initial static analysis to verify the assembly's initial conditions
This ensures the simulation starts from a physically valid equilibrium state.
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Model fails to initialize | Check for over-constrained kinematic loops or conflicting initial conditions |
| Simulation runs too slowly | Switch to a stiff solver (e.g., Rosenbrock) or reduce algebraic loops |
| System behavior is unstable | Verify mass/inertia parameters are non-zero; check sign conventions on forces |