Simulation of system models containing zero-order causal paths. I.: Classification of zero-order causal paths (Q1179830)

This paper relates the process of simulating a physical system from bond graph models in which there exist zero-order causal paths to systems of differential-algebraic equations (DAEs). Basically zero-order causal paths can arise algebraically in a loop if no integrating elements are present or if there exists a causal path between a storage element with derivative causality and a storage element with integral causality. The concept of an essential causal cycle (which is a closed causal path which cannot be eliminated) is introduced which is used to classify 5 different classes of zero-order causal paths which are then related to different types of DAEs and their index of nilpotency. Examples are given from electronic circuits and mechanical systems using bond graph models to illustrate these relationships.