Simulink Model

I have a feedback loop in Simulink around an Embedded MATLAB block. My code in the block looks like this:

initvel=feedback(3)

dt=.02;

deltvel=commandvelocity-initvel;

accel=max(min(deltvel/dt,maxaccel),maxdecel)

updatevel=accel*dt

finalvel=initvel+updatevel

When I run my model, I look at the time and the values being updated. My output looks like this: 

t =
     0

initvel =
     0

accel =
    40

updatevel =
    0.8000

finalvel =
    0.8000

t =
     0

initvel =
     0

accel =
    40

updatevel =
    0.8000

finalvel =
    0.8000

t =
     0

initvel =
  3.6029e+015

accel =
   -20

updatevel =
   -0.4000

finalvel =
  3.6029e+015

I have an initial condition block in the feedback loop that sets the initial velocity to 0. I have two problems:

1. Why does it run through the simulation at time=0 several times?

2. Why does the initial velocity jump to 3.6e15?

[Jarrod Rivituso]

Does your model contain any algebraic loop warnings?

Answer 1

[Seth Popinchalk]

Models will evaluate blocks multiple times in the same time step when there are algebraic loops. Turn the algebraic loop diagnostic to Warning so you can see the message about what blocks are involved in the loop. You can also use the Simulink debugger with the command ashow to highlight the algebraic loop(s).

The reason the output of the block might change when evaluated at the same time step is that the algebraic loop solver is searching for a solution that satisfies the algebraic loop. This uses Newtons method to change the algebraic variable and hopefully find the solution. The solution from the last step is the starting point for the search in the next step. This can cause a change in the answer to something like 3.6e15 if the math in the model computes this value during the search.