b) If you have a function for the flow versus valve opening, you can create a new component and write it into the text view. (Ctrl+3 hotkey). It could look something like this:

model ValveCurve
    IntroductoryExamples.Hierarchical.Interfaces.ActSignalOutput q;
    Modelica.Blocks.Interfaces.RealInput u;
 equation
    q = ((-1) + (-2) * u + (-3) * u ^ 2) * (3 + (-1) * u ^ 3) ^ (-1);
 end ValveCurve;

That model would take the input in the form of a real-valued signal an output a flowrate that you could connect to the tank in the introductory example, like this:

I attached the model so you can explore it yourself.

Alternatively, if you have the equation in Mathematica, you can create the component from there:

Needs["WSMLink`"]
flowVsOpening = {q[t] == -(1 + 2 u[t] + 3 u[t]^2)/(3 - u[t]^3)};
WSMCreateModel["ValveCurve", 
    flowVsOpening, t, {
    u[t] \[Element] "Modelica.Blocks.Interfaces.RealInput",
    q[t] \[Element] "IntroductoryExamples.Hierarchical.Interfaces.ActSignalOutput"}
]

This also works with discontinuous functions, like:

flowVsOpening = {q[t] == 
     If[u[t] > 0.1, -(1 + 2 u[t] + 3 u[t]^2)/(3 - u[t]^3), 0]};   

c) The Hydraulic library does indeed contain many of the components that deals with fluid flows, such as tanks, valves and pumps. As the whether it would help you in your case, I am still unsure what it is you are trying to do, so that I cannot answer. You can view and read about all the components that are part of the Hydraulic library in the reference page:

http://reference.wolfram.com/system-modeler/libraries/Hydraulic/Hydraulic.html

d) 3D animations can be created using the MultiBody library. There are multiple visualizer shapes that will generate automatic 3D animations. The reference can be found here:

http://reference.wolfram.com/system-modeler/libraries/Modelica/Modelica.Mechanics.MultiBody.Visualizers.html

Cylinders of course come to mind when we are talking about tanks. If none of the built in visualizer shape types cut it, you can import your own CAD-models, like it is done here:

https://www.wolfram.com/system-modeler/examples/heavy-equipment/construction-equipment-simulation.html

Note that you will have to convert the output signals from your model into something that meaningful in a 3-dimensional space.

Attachments:

Hello Patrick

Many thanks for the reply.

a) Yes, I have used the block under IntroductoryExamples.Hierarchial.Components.Tank.

I just need to change the location of the ports to give a more "real" feeling of the actual system.

b) I was referring to the curve "Flow versus % Opening of the Valve". In our case it is not a typical curve but a ratio of polynomials.

c) Any plans to release a new version of WSM this year? Would the Hydraulic library help me in this case?

d) I was thinking of something like the animation for the pendulum example. I will look into the info you have listed.

Many thanks

Regards

Ed