Speeding-Up Physical Systems Modeling with Object-Oriented Programming

Object-oriented programing has been around for more than 50 years and has changed the way we develop computational algorithms. Although the concept of objects in programming was introduced with a physical systems modeling tool, most modelling is done today with procedural programming. This paper aspires to show the benefits of object-oriented programming in contrast to procedural programming. This was done by taking a case study in which we analyze the model of the vehicle electric system. The system was partially modelled using Simulink for procedural programming and using Simscape for object-oriented programming. As a result, the object-oriented model was simpler to read and understand. It also provided an interface that facilitates expansion, whereas the procedural model needed to be rebuilt to accommodate changes in the structure and presented higher complexity. The analysis of these two models clearly demonstrates the advantages of using object-oriented programming in physical systems modelling. With this approach, engineering time and cost can be significantly reduced leading to faster time-to-market and improved development documentation.