Design Simulation and Analysis Process
After a designer has designed and assembled the initial 3D model, it takes just one click to transfer the 3D model into our simulation suite. Additionally, the designer can easily work seamlessly between the design and simulation environments.
In the simulation environment, the first step is to convert the assembly constraints into mechanical joints. This can be done in several ways, but the most efficient method is to use the Automatic Update of Translated Joints feature as illustrated in the following graphic.
The next step in the simulation is to define any additional specialized motions, environmental constraints, and the driving forces. In the piston assembly illustrated above, a driving force is exerted on the piston to mimic the combustion force that occurs when the driver applies pressure on the accelerator. The more acceleration, the more combustion force, hence the faster the vehicle moves. Using the powerful Input Grapher feature, the designer can simulate the input force with ease.
After entering the correct environmental constraints and joints, the designer runs the simulation and analyzes the results using the Output Grapher, as shown in the following graphic. In addition to displaying standard parameters, the designer can also create custom parameters in order to effectively analyse the simulation.
One of the most useful parameters that designers can analyse and display is the reaction forces at the joints. Traditionally, this type of analysis has required time consuming calculations or measurements from costly physical prototypes.
Using dynamic simulation, the designer can also transfer multiple time step loads to the stress analysis environment, as illustrated in the preceding graphic. This step provides significant benefits by reducing guesswork and risk. These loads are automatically transferred and applied to the correct bearing load faces of the component being analyzed. Because the loads are transferred automatically, designers do not need to apply loads and constraints as they would when using FEA analysis in isolation. With the loads successfully applied, the designer clicks the Run button to start the analysis. There is no need to specify any mesh sizes, as this is done automatically. The analysis provides a graphic display that shows the areas of peak stress using a color coded scale. This makes it very easy to identify the areas of the part that will experience high stress. By analyzing these results, the designer can make design changes to redistribute the stress and reduce peak stresses. It may also be possible to reduce weight without increasing the peak stresses in the part. Using these techniques, designers can quickly develop parts that minimize material usage while at the same time improving the efficiency of the final product
Using dynamic simulation the designer can also transfer multiple time step loads to the stress analysis environment, as illustrated in the preceding graphic. This step provides significant benefits by reducing guesswork and risk. These loads are automatically transferred and applied to the correct bearing load faces of the component being analyzed. Because the loads are transferred automatically, designers do not need to apply loads and constraints as they would when using FEA analysis in isolation. With the loads successfully applied, the designer clicks the Run button to start the analysis. There is no need to specify any mesh sizes, as this is done automatically. The analysis provides a graphic display that shows the areas of peak stress using a color coded scale. This makes it very easy to identify the areas of the part that will experience high stress. By analyzing these results, the designer can make design changes to redistribute the stress and reduce peak stresses. It may also be possible to reduce weight without increasing the peak stresses in the part. Using these techniques, designers can quickly develop parts that minimize material usage while at the same time improving the efficiency of the final product.