Exergetic Port-Hamiltonian Systems: a compositional, energy-based language for modeling mechanical, electromagnetic, and thermodynamic systems

Lohmayer M (2025)


Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Thesis

Publication year: 2025

URI: https://www.ltd.tf.fau.de/files/2025/11/dissertation-lohmayer.pdf

Abstract

This thesis introduces

a novel, compositional, and thermodynamically consistent

modeling language for multiphysical systems,

encompassing those governed by the principles of

classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and thermodynamics.


At its core,

the language builds on

port-Hamiltonian systems theory.


By interpreting the Hamiltonian

as an exergy storage function,

the inherent passivity of port-Hamiltonian systems

is fully reconciled with

nonequilibrium thermodynamics.


Akin to metriplectic systems and the GENERIC formalism,

additional structural properties

ensure that

both the first and second laws of thermodynamics

are guaranteed.


Inspired by bond graphs,

the modeling language features

a simple graphical syntax,

which is built upon a specialization of

the multicategory of undirected wiring diagrams.

%

The compositional syntax not only enables

the hierarchical decomposition of complex systems

into simple reusable parts

but also facilitates communication among

human experts, non-experts, AI language models,

and computational tools

for simulation, optimization, and control.


The structured, energy-based approach

aims to promote

systematic enhancement and reusability of models

across diverse scientific and engineering domains.


To demonstrate the utility of the framework,

the thesis examines two advanced applications:


First,

it is shown that the modeling language

can serve as a modular multibody framework.


While the mathematical formulation

of the primitive subsystems

is based on the Lie group

of Euclidean isometries,

the compositional approach allows users to work

with higher-level abstractions,

starting with bodies and joints.


Second,

the thesis considers a series of

fluid and plasma models.

%

Specifically,

an ideal fluid model

is reused as a subsystem of

a Navier-Stokes-Fourier model,

which in turn is reused as a subsystem of

two different plasma models.


The hierarchical decomposition reveals

how increasingly complex models

are built from

simpler and ultimately primitive subsystems

that represent

energy storage

as well as reversible and irreversible dynamics.


The graphical syntax

naturally expresses the interconnection of subsystems

through shared energy domains.

Authors with CRIS profile

How to cite

APA:

Lohmayer, M. (2025). Exergetic Port-Hamiltonian Systems: a compositional, energy-based language for modeling mechanical, electromagnetic, and thermodynamic systems (Dissertation).

MLA:

Lohmayer, Markus. Exergetic Port-Hamiltonian Systems: a compositional, energy-based language for modeling mechanical, electromagnetic, and thermodynamic systems. Dissertation, 2025.

BibTeX: Download