Model: Interface

Optional element

Modeling physical phenomena with descriptive equations also requires the use of well defined variable sets to make sure that the units within the equations are correct and to avoid errors. An Interface for a chemical engineering unit could contain the variables F, z_c, P, T, and w. The notation for such an interface would explain F as molar feed stream, z_c as molar fraction of the composition (phase independent), P as pressure, T as temperature, and w as vapor fraction.

Purpose

Interfaces standardize communication between model elements, e.g., when

  • connecting different process units via streams
  • making calls to external functions

They define what information can be exchanged, specifically

  • variable name
  • description
  • dimension (scalar or vector)
  • direction (in or out or in/out)
  • engineering unit

Note that they do not represent the actual external function, but only provide the interface. This is discussed further in functions.

Explanation of the editor

Figure 1 shows the interface editor whereas Table 1 explains the entries of the interface editor.

Figure 1: The interface editor lets you define interfaces that can, for example, be used for external function calls.
ElementExplanation
FileFilename of your interface once you have saved or loaded it
NotationNotation on which your interface is based
DescriptionDescription of your interface, e.g., its purpose. A description is always necessary
KeywordsOptional keywords for your interface
UsagesModel elements, i.e., equations or functions, in which the interface is used
Interface fieldsList of all variables that are known to the interface
View NotationOverview of the symbols in the loaded notation
Pattern AssistanceProvides additional information on the use of the interface. For example, you can declare that this interface will be used for a function definition
Table 1: Elements of the interface editor.