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Introduction to OpenModelica

Name: Introduction to OpenModelica
Rating: 4.4 (15 reviews)

Getting started with OpenModelica through practical examples

Created byHafiz Muhammad Waqas

Last updated 8/2026

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Understand the OpenModelica interface and the use of standard libraries for organizing and managing models.
Learn the fundamental concepts of Modelica, including classes, parameters, variables, equation-based modeling and simulation work flow.
Build and analyze dynamic models in the text environment, apply initial conditions, and document models clearly.
Create thermal, and electrical models using the graphical interface and verify results using hand calculation

Course content

5 sections • 25 lectures • 2h 10m total length

Course introduction2:37
Welcome to Introduction to OpenModelica. In this lecture, you’ll meet the instructor, get an overview of the course, and learn what skills you’ll gain by the end.

Real-Life Applications of OpenModelica – Module Overview2:51
Explore real-world applications of OpenModelica, covering installation, interface, libraries, and modeling of systems like crankshaft assemblies, electric vehicles, battery packs, and heat exchangers.
Installing OpenModelica and Exploring Resources3:34
Install OpenModelica on Windows, choosing the official or stable release. Explore OMedit for physical modeling, and access extensive documentation, books, and tool resources from the OpenModelica suite.
OMEdit Interface Overview4:21
Explore the OMEdit interface for OpenModelica, including the menu, toolbar, modeling area, console, libraries, and the synchronized physical model and text view, with plotting.
Exploring OMEdit Libraries4:33
Explore the OMEdit interface and the Modelica library structure, using dot notation to trace components and define constants and SI units.

Modelica Structure: Packages, Models, and Class Types3:47
Explore the hierarchy of model classes and packages in OpenModelica, learn data types and the roles of parameters, variables, and constants, and follow the simulation workflow to plot results.
Hands-On: Creating Packages and Classes in OMEdit6:10
Create and organize models, classes, and packages in OMEdit, naming a model, a class, and a package, then view the model's equations in text view and explore library components.
Modelica Data Types: Variables, Constants, and Parameters4:04
Hands-On: Defining Variables and Parameters in OMEdit6:18
Equations and the Simulation Workflow4:02
Define a model with algebraic or differential equations in OpenModellica, where the equal sign solves for unknowns, then run the simulation workflow from setup to plotting results.
Hands-On: Writing Equations and Running Simulations in OMEdit10:43
Build a simple model in OMEdit with current, resistance, and voltage, solve for unknowns using equations, and follow the 5-step simulation workflow to view results and export data.
Module Summary0:52
Review the hierarchy of classes in OpenModelica, including models and packages, define constants, parameters, variables, and equations, and outline the end-to-end simulation workflow from model creation to visualizing results.

Dynamic Systems: Time and the Derivative Operator2:33
Explore dynamic behavior in OpenModelica by introducing time and the derivative operator, and learn to model a heating tank, initialize systems in different ways, and study documentation and annotation.
Hands-On: Using Time and Derivatives in OMEdit3:52
Build a simple mass–force model in OMEdit to solve dv/dt = F and explore time as an internal variable, plus y = x * time.
Heated Tank Problem: Model Introduction1:03
Hands-On: Heated Tank Example with Predefined Modelica Units12:30
Solve a heated tank model in OpenModellica using predefined Modellica SI units. Import units, define Q, mass, cp, h, temperature, and area for heat transfer simulation.
Initialization, Documentation, and Annotations in Modelica3:22
Explore initialization, documentation, and annotation in Modelica, learning how initial conditions are set, how documentation strings describe models, and how annotations shape diagrams and visualization without altering behavior.
Hands-On: Applying Initialization, Documentation, and Annotations in OMEdit4:44
Module Summary and Key Takeaways0:34

Graphical Modeling Overview: Components and Example Introduction6:36
Graphical modeling in OpenModelica uses predefined, parameterized components to build and connect systems, validating energy and information flow in RCCD circuits and two-tank setups.
Hands-On: Building and Connecting Components – RC Circuit Example11:25
Connect parameterized resistor and capacitor from the analog library to a voltage source and ground, build an rc circuit, and explore its equations and dc current decay.
Hands-On: Two-Tank Heating System Example in Graphical Mode14:41
Demonstrates building a graphical mode two-tank thermal mass model in OpenModelica, using thermal capacitors, thermal conductors, and a heat source to simulate heat transfer and ambient conditions.
Hands-On: Adding an On/Off Controller to the Two-Tank Heating System7:19
Extends the two-tank model by replacing the constant heat source with a Hysteresis block, switching heat on/off based on temperature thresholds.
Hands-On: Using CombiTimeTable for Variable Ambient Temperature6:04
The two-tank model gets a more realistic upgrade here. Instead of a fixed ambient temperature, a CombiTimeTable feeds in a time-varying profile to drive convection.
Module Summary and Key Takeaways1:30
Explore OpenModelica's interface, including graphical view, text view, icon view, information, and plotting windows, and learn the simulation workflow, hierarchy of classes, model, packages, data types, variables, and equations.

Requirements

A basic understanding of mathematics, physics, or general system concepts at the university level is recommended. No prior experience with OpenModelica or Modelica is required, making the course accessible to beginners interested in modeling and simulating dynamic systems across engineering and related fields.

Description

Course Description

Welcome to my comprehensive OpenModelica Beginner Course, designed to give you a strong and practical foundation in system modeling using OMEdit. As your instructor, my goal is simple: to help you quickly understand the core concepts, build real models with confidence, and develop skills you can directly apply in engineering, research, or academic projects.

Whether you're completely new to Modelica or transitioning from another simulation tool, this course guides you step-by-step through the essentials—using clear explanations, meaningful examples, and a hands-on learning approach.

What You Will Learn

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Understand how OpenModelica and OMEdit fit into the broader modeling ecosystem
Work confidently with Modelica classes, data types, and key language elements
Use constants, parameters, variables, and equations to build system models
Apply algebraic and differential equations to describe dynamic behavior
Use the Text View to write and structure Modelica code
Model dynamic systems using der(), initial conditions, and annotations
Build models visually using graphical components in OMEdit
Run simulations, adjust parameters, and interpret results effectively
Develop clean, well-structured Modelica models following best practices

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for:

Engineering students
Mechanical, electrical, and multi-domain simulation engineers
Researchers and academics
Anyone who wants to learn system modeling—no prior Modelica experience required

Course Highlights

Beginner-friendly explanations without oversimplifying the theory
Example-driven learning to help you understand concepts quickly
Practical OMEdit workflows you can immediately apply
Clear progression from basic concepts to fully functional dynamic models
Realistic engineering mindset, focused on how modeling is done in practice

Why I Created This Course

When I first started learning OpenModelica, I realized how difficult it was to find structured, affordable, and practical training. Most resources were either too fragmented, too theoretical, or simply too expensive for beginners who just wanted to understand the fundamentals without unnecessary complexity.

I created this course to fill that gap.

My goal is to provide a clear, accessible, and cost-effective learning path for anyone who wants to start modeling in OpenModelica. Instead of leaving you to piece together information from scattered sources, this course gives you a complete, well-organized introduction—built from the perspective of someone who has already gone through the learning challenges.

What Comes Next

This beginner course is the first part of a structured learning path. I am currently preparing a follow-up advanced course that will build on everything you learn here. The next course will focus on more complex modeling techniques, advanced OMEdit workflows, and deeper system-level examples.
Students who complete this beginner course will be fully prepared to continue with the advanced material.

Who this course is for:

This course is designed for engineering students, researchers, and professionals, as well as anyone interested in learning dynamic system modeling and simulation. It is suitable for beginners with a foundational understanding of mathematics and physics who want to gain practical skills in building, analyzing, and simulating models using OpenModelica.

Introduction to OpenModelica

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction1 lecture • 3min

Getting Started with OpenModelica – Applications & Interface4 lectures • 15min

Modelica Basics: Structure, Data Types, and Equations7 lectures • 36min

System Modeling in Text View:7 lectures • 29min

Graphical Modeling with Examples in OMEdit6 lectures • 48min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: