Create consistent approach for FlowDevice parameters/functions

[ischoegl]

Cantera version

2.4.0 / 2.5.0a3

Operating System / Python/MATLAB version

all

Expected Behavior

FlowDevice objects should use a consistent philosophy for the implementation of parameters. I.e. MassFlowController, PressureController and Valve. Function names should be representative of actual behavior. MATLAB and Python implementations should use the same approach.

Actual Behavior

The implementation of FlowDevice objects is not consistent and even differs between Python and MATLAB. Python does not use the vector m_coeffs whereas MATLAB can set an array of values that cannot be used by the underlying C++ code. FlowDevice::updateMassFlowRate function signatures take time as an argument, which is not implemented for Valve objects (which precludes the implementation of time-dependent switching valves).

Some function names in the python interface are misleading (Valve.set_pressure_coeff). Python and MATLAB implementations differ (FlowDevice::setParameters).

Steps to reproduce

1. N/A