MOSAICmodeling [mo:sa’i:k ˈmɑː.dəl.ɪŋ] is a free, web-based modeling, simulation, and optimization environment for process systems engineering. Based on a LaTeX-style entry method for algebraic and differential equations, equation systems can be built and subsequently used for simulation and optimization. The aim is to combine several state of the art techniques to a new user-friendly tool that furthers cooperation of workgroups that work with different software infrastructures.

The key areas of interest are to

  • Provide a full modeling environment as online software that is useable as remote desktop application or by a web browser
  • Narrow the gap between computational description and documentation
    • Input of mathematical content using documentation standard Latex
    • Modeling concept that adapts to model presentation in publications
    • Automatic generation of documentation
  • Use XML and MathML in the background to describe the models
  • Provide code generation for the most common numeric environments

MOSAICmodeling provides an automatic code generation for numerous simulation and optimization environments, such as AMPL, Aspen Custom Modeler, GAMS, gPROMS, MATLAB, Modelica, and for solvers interfaced via C++, FORTRAN, Python, etc.

The use of the MOSAICmodeling environment is subject to our Terms of Use.

Why one modeling tool for so many environments?

There are a lot of well established models and programs for the simulation of distillation and absorption processes. Depending on the application, the mathematic models differ in their level of detail, but they are always expressed as DAE systems. Tools like Aspen© provide a large database of ready made models. In a lot of situations, however, the standard models are not applicable. In those cases, custom models must be provided, which is generally done by specifying the applicable system of model equations. To accomplish this task, programming languages can be used, that express the model equations and structure textually. Object-oriented languages such as Modelica and gProms© aim to avoid reimplementation of model parts by means of inheritance and modularization. Interfaces can be defined independently and be used to connect models of different classes. On the other hand, powerful mathematical environments, such as MapleSim©, are available. They allow structured and object-oriented modeling with a minimal visual gap between the model presentation in literature and the model specification for the computer aided evaluation.