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MapleSim 2
22 Oct, 2009 By: Jeffrey RoweFirst Look Review: Powered by the Maple technical computing engine, MapleSim is a 3D modeling and simulation solution that lets users specify and evaluate myriad simulation conditions for physical models.
Editor's note: Author Jeffrey Rowe received financial support from Maplesoft to undertake this review. Both the author and the company agreed that the review would be conducted according to Cadalyst's standard review guidelines to maintain objectivity and serve the interests of the readership. — Editor-in-Chief Nancy Johnson
If you've had any exposure to the 3D CAD world in the past 15 to 20 years, you've almost certainly experienced parametric modeling. Parametric 3D models digitally represent and simulate the physical look, feel, and behavior of objects. A mathematical model, such as a 3D CAD or physical model, is a simplified representation of certain aspects of a real system.
When you create a mathematical model, you move from the real world to the world of abstraction, building your model on math concepts such as equations and functions rather than physical parts with features. Next, the model is solved using mathematical techniques. Finally, the solution to the mathematical problem is translated into a solution that can be applied to the initial problem that began in the real world. Mathematical modeling really goes full circle because it begins and ends in the real world. Math, after all, is the language that describes the physics and physical world around us.
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MapleSim 2 from MapleSoft is a 3D modeling and simulation system built on the company's Maple 13 mathematical computing engine. The products build on the power of mathematical modeling to perform fast, accurate calculations that result in simplified, highly efficient models. Using MapleSim, you could create a system diagram on screen in the same way you would draw it on paper, and the software would automatically generate the model equations. Generated code can be exported to real-time and other applications and runs 10 to 100 times faster for complex models, according to MapleSoft. Available for Windows, Linux, and Macintosh platforms, MapleSim offers dynamic analysis, control design, and optimization capabilities and supports custom component creation and live design documentation.
I've used parametric 3D modelers for many years — including Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, and PTC's Pro/ENGINEER — and I was eager to explore parametric mathematical modeling using the latest versions of Maplesoft's flagship products. This product suite also gave me an excellent opportunity to brush up on my fundamental mathematics skills with Maple 13.
Maple 13: Underlying Math Engine
Maple 13 is a powerful math engine that provides an advanced symbolic computation engine, numeric solver, and technical document interface. Maple 13 is required to run MapleSim2.
When you launch Maple 13 for the first time, a user-friendly interface provides several options for users who are getting acquainted with the application. A portal presents several comprehensive example exercises and tutorials to assist new as well as more experienced users. This portal is a good starting point for many rudimentary and more advanced mathematical tasks. I decided to give it a trial run by executing one of the sample exercises. I chose "Designing a More Effective Car Radiator," a SolidWorks-based example. The exercise imported the design and ultimately exported the optimized dimensions based on proposed and desired heat-transfer characteristics. The parametric results were then imported into SolidWorks for optimizing a 3D solid model of the car radiator. In effect, this process served as a simulation before the design.
The exercise was completed using an executable example worksheet (the basic tool used for solving problems with Maple) that demonstrated syntax and invoking Maplet (an applet written in the Maple programming language) application interfaces that make problems easier to solve and visualize. All the math performed was presented very clearly, including equations and detailed definitions and explanations. The math data generated by Maple 13 can be exported for use by other applications, including CAD, Microsoft Excel, The MathWorks MATLAB, and others.
Maple 13 provides more than tools for experienced engineers; it also serves as an excellent introduction to mathematical methods for younger engineers and students. For the latter group, Maple 13 provides excellent tools for understanding and visualizing aspects of calculus, geometry, differential equations, logic, and linear algebra. It could act as a supplemental material for classroom math courses. I wish I'd had this resource many years ago when I was in the middle of my mathematical education.
Last but certainly not least, Maple 13 also includes outstanding hard-copy user manuals — something that has become increasingly rare in the technical software arena. Along with the integrated user support described previously, these excellent guides provide some of the best learning and reference resources I have ever experienced with a software product, largely because of the breadth of topics covered, ability to clearly convey complex mathematical concepts, and the general level of detail provided.
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