USING THE STATEFLOW SOFTWARE TOOL FOR MODELING COMPLEX SYSTEMS IN METALLURGY

Abstract

The article examines the application of the Stateflow software tool for modeling complex systems in metallurgy.Emphasis is placed on the advantages of Stateflow as an extension of the Simulink system, which allows designing and modeling event-driven systems and finite-state machines, including hierarchical models.Recent research and publications concerning the use of Stateflow for modeling logical control systems, for example in transport systems for moving bulk cargo, and in automatic signaling systems at railway crossings, have been analyzed.The main goal of the work is to substantiate the feasibility of using the Stateflow software tool for modeling complex systems, particularly technological processes in metallurgy.Examples of modeling metallurgical processes are presented. Specifically, the modeling of a system for selecting a free continuous casting machine (CCM) is considered. Modeling of the «furnace-ladle» unit operation was performed, which serves to heat the metal before subsequent technological operations and to refine the melt’s chemical composition.Stateflow allows formalizing various heating modes depending on the transformer power stages, and also tracking the change in melt temperature depending on the selected mode.Separately, the modeling of the control system for forming multi-component charge portions on a blast furnace conveyor is discussed. The control system model takes into account that the mixed portion can consist of different types of materials (sinter, pellets, coke), their ratio and location on the conveyor, as well as the volumetric capacity of the collection conveyor.The Stateflow diagram simulates the operation of weighing hoppers and determines the activation time of unloading mechanisms.A conclusion is drawn about the expediency of using Stateflow for modeling metal melting, heating, transportation, and material dosing processes in metallurgy, which allows increasing the efficiency of technological process control, ensuring safety and product quality.