Quick Start Guide

Creating a Simple Node-Branch Model

This guide walks you through creating the minimal flow network model using the Meco Rocket Simulator.

Overview

Create a fluid flow model with the least amount of components required:

• 2 Nodes: An inlet node (NodeInlet) and an outlet node (NodeOutlet)
• 1 Branch: A circular pipe connecting the two nodes
• 2 Control Parameters: Pressure controls for inlet and outlet conditions

📝 Note

💡 Quick Reference: You can view the completed version of this model by creating a new model from the template "Min Node Branch". This is helpful for comparing your work or understanding the final result before starting the tutorial.

Creating a Model from Template

To create the completed model from the template:

1. Open the Models Page:
   • Launch the Meco Rocket Simulator
   • Click the Menu button (☰ icon) in the top-left corner to open the navigation drawer
   • Under the "Manage" section, click Models

1. Create from Template:
   • Click the Add button (+ icon) in the floating action button on the left side
   • This opens the "New" drawer on the left side of the screen

1. Select Template:
   • In the "New" drawer, scroll down to the "From Template" section
   • Click on "Min Node Branch" from the list of available templates
   • This will create a new model based on the template with all components already configured

1. Load the Template Model:
   • The new model will appear in your models list (it may be named something like "Model 1")
   • Click on the model to load it and view the completed configuration
   • You can rename it by clicking the Edit button (pencil icon) if desired

Model Components

Nodes

• NodeInlet: Fluid inlet with O2 (oxygen) as the working fluid
• NodeOutlet: Fluid outlet (no specific properties)

Branch

• Branch: A circular pipe with specific geometric and flow properties

Control Parameters

• ControlInlet: Sets inlet pressure to 300,000 Pa
• ControlOutlet: Sets outlet pressure to 79,500 Pa

Step-by-Step Creation Guide

1. Create and Name the Model

Before building the components, you need to create a new model and give it a meaningful name:

1. Open the Models Page:
   • Launch the Meco Rocket Simulator
   • You will start on the Welcome screen (splash screen) by default
   • Click the Menu button (☰ icon) in the top-left corner of the app bar to open the navigation drawer
   • In the navigation drawer, under the "Manage" section, click Models
   • This will take you to the Models page where you can create and manage your rocket engine models

1. Create a New Model:
   • Click the Add button (+ icon) in the floating action button on the left side
   • This will open the "New" drawer on the left side of the screen

1. Choose Model Type:
   • Select "Blank Model" from the list
   • This will create a new empty mode

1. Rename the Model:
   • Find your newly created model in the list (it will have a default name like "Model 1" or similar)
   • Click the Edit button (pencil icon) next to your model
   • In the edit drawer that opens on the right side:
     • Change the Name field to "Simple Node Branch"
     • Click OK to save the changes

1. Load the Model:
   • Click on your newly renamed "Simple Node Branch" model to load it
   • This will take you to the Engine Schematics view where you can start building your model

2. Add the Inlet Node

1. Click the Add Component button (+ icon) in the Add Component Drawer
2. Navigate to Node → NodeInlet
3. Place the component on the canvas near the top left area
4. Configure the NodeInlet:
   • Right-click on the NodeInlet component
   • Select Edit from the context menu
   • Set Liquid property to O2 (oxygen)
   • The component will automatically be named "NodeInlet"

3. Add the Outlet Node

1. From the Add Component Drawer, select Node → NodeOutlet
2. Place it on the canvas in the lower right area
3. Configure the NodeOutlet:
   • Right-click and select Edit
   • No additional properties need to be configured (displays "No properties to edit")
   • The component will automatically be named "NodeOutlet"

4. Add the Branch (Pipe)

1. From the Add Component Drawer, select Branch → Branch
2. Place it on the canvas in the center area, between the inlet and outlet nodes
3. Configure the Branch:
   • Right-click and select Edit
   • Set the following properties:
     • Dimension Type: Circle
     • Diameter: 0.0063 m (6.3 mm)
     • Length: 10 m
     • Roughness: 0.00000356 m (3.56 μm)
     • Number of Channels (n): 1
     • Fittings: Select "TankBaffles" from the dropdown
   • The component will automatically be named "Branch"

5. Connect the Components

1. Connect NodeInlet to Branch:
   • Click and drag from the NodeInlet's output handle (Lj) to the Branch's input handle (Lj)
   • This establishes the inlet connection

1. Connect Branch to NodeOutlet:
   • Click and drag from the Branch's output handle (Li) to the NodeOutlet's input handle (Li)
   • This establishes the outlet connection

6. Add Control Parameters

1. Add Inlet Control Parameter:
   • From the Add Component Drawer, select ControlParameter
   • Place it to the left of the inlet node
   • Configure the control parameter:
     • Right-click and select Edit
     • Set Value: 300000 (Pa)
     • Connect it to the NodeInlet's control port (cp)
   • Rename the component "ControlInlet"

1. Add Outlet Control Parameter:
   • Add another ControlParameter
   • Place it to the left of the outlet node
   • Configure the control parameter:
     • Right-click and select Edit
     • Set Value: 79500 (Pa)
     • Connect it to the NodeOutlet's control port (cp)
   • Rename the component "ControlOutlet"

7. Set Up Charts (Optional)

1. Add a Chart:
   • Right-click on the Branch component
   • Select Add to Chart from the context menu
   • Choose the ṁ (mass flow rate) variable
   • This creates "Chart 1" to monitor the mass flow rate through the branch

8. Running the Simulation

Once your model is complete, you can run the simulation:

1. Open the Simulation Panel:
   • The simulation panel is located in the bottom drawer of the application
   • It should open automatically when you have a valid model

1. Set Simulation Parameters:
   • Max Time: Set to 0.2 seconds (or your desired simulation duration)
   • You can edit this value by clicking on the time display

1. Start the Simulation:
   • Click the Play button (▶) to start
   • The simulation will run, and you'll see real-time data in any charts you've configured
   • Use Pause button (⏸) to pause the simulation
   • Use Stop button (⏹) to stop and reset the simulation
   • Use Replay button (⟲) to restart the simulation from the beginning

1. Monitor Results:
   • Watch the charts update in real-time as the simulation progresses
   • The mass flow rate through the branch will be displayed in Chart 1
   • You can add additional variables to charts by right-clicking on components

Key Properties Reference

NodeInlet Properties

• Fluid: O2 (oxygen)
• Position: Near the top left area

NodeOutlet Properties

• Position: In the lower right area
• No configurable fluid properties

Branch Properties

• Dimension Type: Circle
• Diameter: 0.0063 m
• Length: 10 m
• Roughness: 0.00000356 m
• Number of Channels: 1
• Fittings: TankBaffles
• Position: In the center area, between the inlet and outlet nodes

Control Parameter Properties

• ControlInlet: 300,000 Pa positioned to the left of the inlet node
• ControlOutlet: 79,500 Pa positioned to the left of the outlet node

Component Handles and Connections

NodeInlet Handles

• Lj (source): Liquid flow output
• cp (target): Control parameter input

NodeOutlet Handles

• Li (target): Liquid flow input
• cp (target): Control parameter input

Branch Handles

• Li (source): Liquid flow output
• Lj (target): Liquid flow input
• l (target): Liquid connection (disabled when machinery connected)
• mp (target): Machinery connection (disabled when liquid connected)

ControlParameter Handles

• c (source): Control output

Tips for Success

1. Component Naming: The application automatically assigns names based on the component type. You can rename them if needed.

1. Handle Connections: Make sure you connect the correct handles:
   • Source handles (circles) connect to target handles (squares)
   • Liquid flow connections use L prefixed handles
   • Control connections use c and cp handles

1. Property Validation: The application will validate your connections and properties. Pay attention to error messages.

1. Simulation: After building the model, you can run simulations to analyze the flow behavior.

1. Charts: Add variables to charts to monitor simulation results in real-time.

Troubleshooting

Simulator Setup and Launch

• Application won't start: Try restarting the application or contact support if the issue persists
• Application crashes: Close and reopen the application to restore normal functionality
• Slow performance: Close other applications to free up system resources

Model Creation Issues

• Connection Issues: Ensure you're connecting compatible handle types
• Property Errors: Check that all required properties are set with valid values
• Simulation Errors: Verify that your model is physically realistic (positive pressures, reasonable dimensions)

Simulation Problems

• Simulation won't start: Check that all components are properly connected and configured
• Simulation stops early: Verify that your boundary conditions are realistic
• No data in charts: Ensure you've added variables to charts before running the simulation

✅ Success

This minimal model demonstrates the basic workflow for creating fluid flow networks in the Meco Rocket Simulator. You can expand upon this foundation by adding more complex components like turbines, pumps, and additional flow paths.