FluidSIM Tutorial

FluidSIM Tutorial

          FluidSIM Pneumatics is a teaching tool for simulating pneumatic basics and runs using Microsoft Windows. It can be used in combination with the Festo Didactic Gmbh & Co. KG Training hardware, but aslo independenly. FluidSIM was developed as a joint venture between the University of Paderborn, Festo Didactic GmbH & Co. KG and Art System software GmbH, Paderborn.

          A major feature of fluidSIM is close connection with CAD functionality and simulation. FluidSIM allow DIN compliant drawing of electro pneumatic circuit diagrams and can perform realistic simulations of the drawing based on physical models of the components. Simply stated, this eliminates the gap between the drawing of circuit diagram and the simulation of the related pneumatic system.

          The CAD functionality of fluidSIM has been specially tailored for fluidics.

For example, while drawing, the program will check weather or not certain connections between components are permissible.

          Another feature for FluidSIM results from its well through out didactic concept : FluidSIM support learning, educating, and visualizing pneumatic knowledge. Pneumatic componenst are explained with textual descriptions, figures and educational films mediate knowledge about both important circuits and the usage of pneumatic components.

Introduction to Simulating and Creating Circuits

              The following chapter is set up in the form of a tutorial to introduce the user to important FluidSIM functions. At the end the user should be comfortable designing and simulating circuit diagrams.

• Start FluidSIM via the Start Menu under ProgramFiles/FestoDidactic.

After a few seconds the main window from FluidSIM should appear on your screen.

Fluidsim User Interface

The left hand side shows the component library of FluidSIM in its hierarchical view, it contains pneumatic, electrical and digital components for the designing new circuit diagrams. Using the menu bar at the top of the window, you may access all functions provided for designing and simulating circuit diagrams. The toolbar below allows convenient access to frequently used menu functions.

the toolbar contains the following ten groups of function :

1.

FluidSIM toolbar

Creating new cicuit diagrams, previewing a circuit diagram, operating and saving circuit diagrams.

2.

Printing the contents of the windows, for example circuit diagrams and component photos.

3.

Editing circuit diagrams.

4.

Alignment of components

5. 

rotate and mirror.

6.

Using a grid

7.

Zooming in and zooming out of circuit diagrams, components pictures, and other windows.

8.

Superficial circuit checking

9.

Simulating circuit diagram, directing animation (basic level)

10.

Simulating circuit diagrams, directing animation (additional functions).

In the next explanation we will show you how to make a diagram pneumatic with FluidSIM.

Thank you