How to connect solenoid to a system in Simulink

Hello, I'm trying to simulate a solenoid action into my mass, spring, damper model, but I can't connect the solenoid block to the model at simulink. How could I do it?

this is my system, and I would like to change the sine wave for the solenoid mechanical action.

Answer 1

[Sebastian Castro]

The Solenoid block is a Simscape based block, so you need interface blocks to connect to Simulink blocks...

... but before we go down that path, Simscape has blocks you can use to model mass-spring-damper systems. This would, by far, be the easiest approach. Look at the following screenshot:

- Sebastian

[Gabriel Oliviero]

Thank you so much! It really solved my problem.

Just another question. In this case, the solenoid's rated voltage vdc must be equal to the voltage provided by the DC source, isn't it? And the rated current?

[Sebastian Castro]

It doesn't have to be -- all the parameters in the "Magnetic Force" tab are used to calculate the underlying equations.

If you look at the documentation for the block, it says:

The Solenoid block solves for α and β by taking the two specified force and stroke measurements and substituting them into the preceding equation. It solves the resulting equations for α and β. (these are coefficients for the inductance of the solenoid)

Rated voltage Vdc The voltage at which the solenoid is rated to operate. This voltage value is used to measure the Forces [F1 F2] and Stroke [X1 X2] values. The default value is 50 V.

Rated current Idc The current that flows when the solenoid is supplied with the Rated voltage Vdc voltage. The default value is 0.05 A.

Putting this all together, (I think) it means that the solenoid is at rest at a position X1 with a holding force of F1. An input voltage Vdc will pump a current of Idc through the solenoid, causing it to provide a mechanical force of F1-F2 and move from a position X1 to X2.

- Sebastian