# Linking OpenFAST and FAST-SC with MATLAB for TMD Optimization

**URL:** <https://forums.nlr.gov/t/linking-openfast-and-fast-sc-with-matlab-for-tmd-optimization/8697>\
**Category:** Computer-Aided Engineering Software Tools\
**Created:** [April 27, 2025, 5:17am UTC](https://forums.nlr.gov/t/linking-openfast-and-fast-sc-with-matlab-for-tmd-optimization/8697 "2025-04-27T05:17:49Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Anis.Ziamehr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Anis.Ziamehr](https://forums.nlr.gov/u/Anis.Ziamehr)\
**Post date:** [April 27, 2025, 5:17am UTC](https://forums.nlr.gov/t/linking-openfast-and-fast-sc-with-matlab-for-tmd-optimization/8697/1 "2025-04-27T05:17:49Z")

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Dear Professor Jonkman, I hope you’re doing well.

I am currently working on optimizing the Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) parameters for the NREL reference turbine using a genetic algorithm in MATLAB.

I would like to learn how to link both OpenFAST and FAST-SC with MATLAB/Simulink to enable the optimization process.  
At the moment, working with FAST-SC is more urgent for me because I have already submitted an abstract based on it, and the full paper submission deadline is approaching soon. Therefore, setting up FAST-SC with MATLAB is currently my highest priority, but I would also like to understand how to do the same for OpenFAST for future work.

Could you please guide me on how to establish this connection, or if there are any available resources or examples you could recommend?

I would really appreciate your support and advice!

Thank you so much for your time and help.

Best regards,  
Anise Ziamehr

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**Author:** ![Jason.Jonkman](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/nrel/user_avatar/forums.nlr.gov/jason.jonkman/32/3086_2.png) [@Jason.Jonkman](https://forums.nlr.gov/u/Jason.Jonkman)\
**Post date:** [April 28, 2025, 1:30pm UTC](https://forums.nlr.gov/t/linking-openfast-and-fast-sc-with-matlab-for-tmd-optimization/8697/2 "2025-04-28T13:30:44Z")

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Dear @Anis.Ziamehr,

The existing interface between OpenFAST and MATLAB/Simulink does not currently support active control of Structural Controllers (StC) through Simulink. See the following OpenFAST issues for related discussion:

> <https://github.com/OpenFAST/openfast/issues/761>
>
> Hello everyone,
> I am looking to connect the TMD module with Simulink in order t…o develop a complete instrumentation and control system. I contacted Professor Lackner (he developed this module) but unfortunately he did not have the solution. So I ask the openfast user community if they have worked on this part. 
> 
> Thank you in advance for any help you could give me,
> 
> Best Regards
> 
> Tom

> <https://github.com/OpenFAST/openfast/issues/2323>
>
> Hello,
> I want to implement active control of TMD in Simulink, but it seems that… this version of the file cannot achieve this function. Could you please tell me which version of the file can achieve this function?
> \<img width="603" alt="Snipaste\_2024-07-14\_21-41-49" src="https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/4bff1c97-b88c-42e1-85aa-45a1fdecb7f3"\>

Best regards,