Comparison of simulation tools for dynamic models

Macroscopic models are used extensively in process engineering, and can often be posed as DAE (Differential Algebraic Equation) models. Three generic tools for solving such DAEs are compared: OpenModelica, Julia, and MATLAB. To make the comparison concrete, a simple non-linear process model from the literature was extended by removing simplifying assumptions; the more complex model was posed as DAEs. Some implementation details of DAE models in OpenModelica, Julia, and MATLAB are given. Selected simulation results are given, with resulting execution time. The three tools gave identical simulation results. The tools are then compared wrt. cost, ease of use, documentation, numeric quality, Eco-system , and possibility for reuse of models/library. Overall, Julia appears may appear as the best choice. However, Modelica is found to be easier to use, so an ideal solution would probably be some tight integration of Modelica with Julia.