Add a variable to a Model Type or Port Type

You can add a variable to a Model Type or Port Type in the Model Editor or Port Editor, associate a condition with it, and specify it for particular Simulation Modes.

Add a variable

1. Open the Model Editor or the Port Editor for the Model Type or Port Type, respectively.

2. Expand the Variables section.

3. Select the icon.

4. Select the Condition name, if applicable. See Add a condition to a Model Type for more information on conditions.

5. Change the variable Name from the default name.

6. Select the variable Type to define the unit of measure. This will also set the default, min, and max values, which you may change.

7. Define if the variable should be invariant. See Define invariant variables.

8. Define if the variable should be global. See Define global parameters and variables.

9. Enter the Default value to be used when you first place the Model Type in a simulation.

10. Select a Dimension if you want to change the variable to an array.

11. Enter the Min and Max values of the variable or accept the Variable Type default values.

12. Select the (Process Mode), (Fluid Flow Mode) or (Dynamics Mode) checkboxes if you want to specify the variable for a Simulation Mode. Unchecked boxes are calculated.

13. Define if any of the simulation mode specifications should be locked. When locked, the specification cannot be changed the simulation is built. You can lock any of the specification settings by clicking the arrow next to the checkbox and selecting Lock Specification.

    

    If the variable is an array you can select Lock Specification or Lock at least one Specification.

    

14. Enter a Description of the variable to help others understand what the variable is.

    Note: You cannot change the Variable Units. Variable Units are defined by the Variable Type and, to ensure consistency of all equations that use them, cannot be changed. The units are listed to document the internal UOM that is used by the equations. The units are displayed as a matter of convenience so you know what they are when you write an equation.

    When the Variable Type is valid, the variable Status changes from red to green.