Systems and methods for controlling a fluid based engineering system are disclosed. The systems and methods may include a model processor for generating a model output, the model processor including a set state module for setting dynamic states of the model processor, the dynamic states input to an open loop model based on the model operating mode, wherein the open loop model generates a current state model as a function of the dynamic states and the model input, wherein a constraint on the current state model is based a series of cycle synthesis modules, each member of the series of cycle synthesis modules modeling a component of a cycle of the control system and including a series of utilities, the utilities are based on mathematical abstractions of physical properties associated with the component. The series of utilities may include a material temperature utility for determining a material temperature associated with a component of the cycle of the control system The model processor may further include an estimate state module for determining an estimated state of the model based on a prior state model output and the current state model of the open loop model.