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- Simcenter 3D – Motion Simulation
Siemens Digital Industries Software offers a wide range of modeling and simulation solutions to help engineers understand and predict the functional behavior of mechanisms. One of the existing tools in Simcenter 3D is Simcenter 3D Motion Simulation, which provides a series of modules intended to increase design confidence and reduce risk. Let's explore these modules concisely: Simcenter 3D Motion Simulation Simcenter 3D Motion is an integrated part of the broader Simcenter 3D multidisciplinary simulation environment . It offers capabilities for advanced quasi-static, kinematic, and dynamic analysis. This solution helps engineers evaluate the performance of mechanisms, increasing confidence in the project by being able to measure forces, torques and reactions in operating situations of the mechanisms that govern the project. Accuracy in Predicting Mechanism Behavior Simcenter 3D Motion provides accurate results for reaction forces, displacements, velocities, and accelerations for rigid and flexible bodies. Platform for Multidisciplinary Simulation Simcenter 3D Motion is part of an integrated multidisciplinary simulation environment. It allows the integration of motion simulations with other disciplines, with the possibility of integrating measured force data to perform finite element analysis and flexible body analysis. Solution for Designers and Analysts Simcenter 3D Motion is flexible enough to serve both designers and analysts. Analysts can create mechanism models from scratch, while designers can quickly convert CAD models into functional motion models, saving modeling time. Systems and Controls Integration Simcenter 3D can be integrated with leading control design tools and supports model switching and cosimulation methods to solve mechanical system equations simultaneously with controller or actuator equations. This helps you understand how the controls will affect the overall performance of the engine. Industry Applications Simcenter 3D Motion is useful in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, marine, industrial machinery, electronics, and consumer products. It helps understand the behavior of complex mechanical systems, such as vehicle suspensions, automatic door mechanisms and electronic control systems. Specific Modules Additionally, Simcenter 3D Motion offers a variety of specialized modules. Below, we present a summary of these modules and their respective characteristics: Simcenter 3D Motion Modeling This module provides multibody pre- and post-processing capabilities to model, evaluate, and optimize mechanisms. It is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, industrial machinery and electronics to study the kinematics and dynamics of products during their development. Simcenter 3D Motion Solver Simcenter 3D Motion Solver helps engineers predict and understand the functional behavior of parts and assemblies. It offers complete capabilities for dynamic, static, and kinematic motion simulation. Simcenter 3D Motion Systems and Controls This module helps mechanical engineers predict how control systems affect mechanisms and allows them to optimize mechatronic system designs. It offers a library of control modeling elements and is compatible with MATLAB and Simulink environments. Simcenter 3D Motion Flexible Body Simcenter 3D Motion Flexible Body increases the accuracy of multibody models by considering component deformations during motion simulation. It allows you to combine multibody simulation technology with a representation of body flexibility. Simcenter 3D Motion Flexible Body Advanced This module extends flexible modeling by automating the process of transforming existing geometry into a flexible body for motion analysis. It also allows you to model constraints and contact forces applied to flexible bodies. Simcenter 3D Motion Standard Tire Simcenter 3D Motion Standard Tire allows you to model forces generated by pneumatic tires in contact with the road, including resulting moments. This is essential for analysis of drivability and driving comfort. Simcenter 3D Motion CD Tire This module offers a family of tire models developed by ITWM Fraunhofer. It is suitable for simulating tires of different vehicles, providing accurate analysis of tire behavior. Simcenter Tire Allows accurate modeling of tire behavior and analysis of vehicle performance, directional stability and braking distance. It helps engineers analyze vehicle behavior efficiently. Simcenter 3D Motion Drivetrain This module is dedicated to the simulation of transmission elements, facilitating the creation of detailed models of transmissions and gear systems. Simcenter 3D Motion TWR Simcenter 3D Motion TWR enables the construction of virtual test equipment for frequency and system response analysis. It is useful for simulations involving equipment without physical components. Simcenter 3D Motion Real-Time Solver This module provides the ability to integrate Simcenter 3D Motion models into real-time platforms, reusing models in real time and accelerating analysis and design experiments. Simcenter 3D Flexible Pipe Standard Beam Dedicated to piping simulation, this module allows you to simulate assembly scenarios and calculate initial positions, operating positions and forces/moments inside the pipes. Simcenter 3D Flexible Pipe Standard Shell Similar to the previous one, this module is also used to simulate piping, but with a focus on validating designs and checking collisions. Simcenter 3D Flexible Pipe Linear Dynamic Allows calculation of eigenmodes and harmonic response of flexible pipes, using beam FEM or shell FEM calculation methods. Simcenter 3D Flexible Pipe Nonlinear Dynamic This module allows the analysis of non-linear movement of flexible tubes, being useful for dealing with complex situations. Simcenter 3D Flexible Pipe Optimization It is an extension that allows you to carry out parametric studies and optimize the position and orientation of components to obtain more efficient and economical designs. Simcenter 3D Flexible Electric Cables and Wire Harness option This module is used to calculate electrical harnesses and wires. It helps in accurate designing of harnesses Simcenter 3D Motion Simulation from Siemens Digital Industries Software is a powerful tool for engineers who want to increase confidence in mechanism design and reduce risk. With a variety of specialized modules and advanced features, it offers a complete platform for motion modeling and simulation in a variety of industrial applications. See some direct applications in the video below that demonstrates how to transfer Motion loads to pre/post: CAEXPERTS, with its experience and knowledge in engineering, is the ideal partner in implementing and leveraging technologies such as Simcenter 3D Motion. With a team of highly qualified CAE experts and cutting-edge resources, we are ready to help your company explore the full potential of this powerful tool. Whether optimizing product design, improving industrial processes or tackling complex challenges, CAEXPERTS is committed to driving competitiveness and innovation in your organization. Learn more about Simcenter 3D Motion clicking here . Schedule a meeting right now and let’s turn your challenges into high-impact engineering solutions together!
- Hydrogen Propulsion Aircraft Project
Using a Digital Twin to Reframe Aircraft Design for Sustainable Flight In this post we will analyze the challenges faced by aerospace engineers in developing sustainable aircraft. We investigate the use of hydrogen-powered jet engines and hydrogen fuel cell technology to power next-generation propulsion systems, as well as their implications on subsystems, resulting in the need to reimagine aircraft configurations. Simcenter™ software from Siemens Digital Industries Software supports Digital Twin technology, enabling aerospace engineering organizations to optimize aircraft performance through virtual and physical testing in the domains of fluids, thermal, mechanical and other systems related to sustainable aviation . Simcenter is part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, which encompasses software, hardware and integrated services. Sustainable Aviation The aviation industry is responsible for nearly 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions,¹ making the transition to low-carbon propulsion systems a priority for aircraft manufacturers. However, this transition is complicated by the constant increase in passenger numbers. Currently, around 500,000 people are on flights at any given time,² and the number of air passengers is expected to double by.³ Aerospace engineers face the challenge of designing next-generation aircraft that have the capacity, speed and range of conventional jet-powered aircraft, but without the environmental impact. Comparing Power Densities of Different Energy Sources To understand the complexity of the task at hand, it is critical to analyze the power densities of leading energy solutions for next-generation aircraft compared to conventional kerosene. Jet A kerosene, which powers most modern commercial and military aircraft, has a remarkable energy density of approximately 12,000 watt-hours per kilogram (Wh/kg). However, kerosene jet engines generate CO2 and non-CO2 emissions and are noisy. A cleaner and quieter alternative is the use of battery-powered electric motors. However, current batteries used in prototype aircraft have energy densities of only 160 to 180 Wh/kg,⁴ unsuitable for long-haul aircraft. However, they are suitable for smaller aircraft, such as Bye Aerospace,⁵ specializes in electric aircraft, including light aircraft for flight training. Figure 1. Using Simcenter , NX and Fibersim helped Bye Aerospace increase productivity, reducing engineering headcount by 66% when designing all-electric aircraft. Hydrogen Production and Conversion into Usable Energy There are currently two main hydrogen-based approaches to creating long-haul aircraft with zero carbon emissions. One is the use of jet engines powered by liquid hydrogen, and the other involves hydrogen fuel cells that convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity to power electric motors. Both liquid hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cells are being actively investigated by companies such as Siemens⁶ and Airbus⁷ as environmentally friendly alternatives for air travel. Both approaches produce water as a byproduct. Although there are several ways to produce hydrogen,⁸ generating hydrogen is not a simple task, as it is generally present in compounds, such as water (H2O) or methane (CH4), from which it must be separated. Electrolysis is the most practical method for producing hydrogen, which involves the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electrical current, and is considered renewable when electricity is generated from sustainable sources, such as solar and wind. Hydrogen can be stored in gaseous or liquid form. Gaseous storage requires high-pressure tanks, while liquid storage requires cryogenic temperatures, as hydrogen boils at -252.8 degrees Celsius (°C) at atmospheric pressure.⁹ Due to the costs involved in producing, storing and transporting hydrogen, it is currently more expensive than fossil fuels. However, in terms of application as an energy source, hydrogen is conceptually simple. Aerospace engineers dedicated to developing propulsion systems for sustainable hydrogen-powered aircraft consider three main approaches: electric engines powered by fuel cells, gas turbines powered by pure hydrogen, or hybrid solutions that combine fuel cells with gas turbines powered by hydrogen. . In the case of a hydrogen-powered jet engine, which resembles an internal combustion engine, the process involves intake of air, compression, mixing with hydrogen and subsequent ignition to generate a high-temperature flow. In the hydrogen fuel cell scenario, hydrogen and oxygen are routed through an anode (positive terminal) and a cathode (negative terminal) in the cell, respectively. A catalyst at the anode splits hydrogen molecules into electrons and protons. Protons pass through a special membrane, while electrons power the aircraft's electric motors and other systems. Subsequently, protons, electrons and oxygen recombine at the cathode, forming water molecules. Challenges of Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft The main challenge in developing hydrogen-powered aircraft is their relatively unknown nature to most engineers. Designing a burner for a hydrogen gas turbine requires special structures and features, since hydrogen burns faster and hotter than kerosene. For example, a hydrogen burner must be designed to prevent flashbacks . Furthermore, the acoustic frequencies generated by the burner and turbine need to be attenuated to minimize interaction between the flame and aircraft components. Understanding the fluid dynamics and stresses in the thermal boundary conditions of these hydrogen-powered and electric propulsion systems, including operational phenomena such as recoil, thermoacoustics, thermal gradients, and embrittlement, is essential. ¹⁰ ¹¹ ¹² ¹³ Another challenge is that although hydrogen offers three times the energy density of kerosene per unit mass, it requires four times the volume of kerosene to produce the same result. This implies significant modifications to the aircraft structure, such as reducing cargo capacity, number of passengers or a departure from conventional designs. Figure 2. The increased fuselage space of mixed-wing aircraft can be used to store batteries, hydrogen, or a combination of hydrogen and fuel cells, without sacrificing passenger or cargo capacity. An alternative is the combined wing body (BWB) aircraft, such as the Airbus ZEROe BWB concept,¹⁴ where the wings and fuselage integrate into a single structure (Figure 2). This design, also called "flying wing", is responsible for all of the aircraft's lift. One of the main advantages of a flying wing configuration is the ample space in the fuselage that can be used to carry various types of payloads, including passengers, batteries, hydrogen and fuel cells. Facing the Challenges The complexity of the task of creating hydrogen-powered, carbon-neutral long-haul aircraft makes the evolution of physical prototypes unfeasible due to cost, time and resource constraints. The solution is to resort to multiphysics simulations to investigate the behavior of power generation systems, engines and the entire aircraft in a virtual environment. This endeavor requires an integration of different design domains and effective collaboration between all engineering disciplines involved in aircraft development. This goes beyond propulsion systems, covering areas such as fluid dynamics, thermal, mechanics, dynamics, acoustics, among others. Engineering data from these interconnected systems must be shared efficiently across teams to enable designers to work effectively in their native development environments. One way to achieve this effective collaboration is through the use of digitalization tools available in the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio,¹⁵ which includes integrated software, hardware and services. Simcenter test and simulation solutions , part of this portfolio, are designed to eliminate barriers between disciplines and provide an integrated design suite capable of supporting multidisciplinary aerospace engineering teams. These solutions help model, analyze and test the impact of alternative energy sources and propulsion systems. In short, they allow the creation of a physically based digital twin (Figure 3). Figure 3. Using Simcenter, engineers can build a digital twin to accurately predict aircraft performance, optimize designs, and innovate faster and more confidently. Within the Simcenter environment, systems simulation modeling capabilities enable the evaluation of engine architectures, gas turbines, fuel storage, fuel cells, batteries, and other components, including their weight (Figure 4).¹⁶ Figure 4. The Simcenter Amesim model allows engineers to evaluate the thermodynamic cycle of the hydrogen-powered turbofan. Engineers can leverage parallel fluid simulations, 3D thermal and mechanical simulations, and computer-aided design (CAD) capabilities to design each of these subsystems. In this way, they can deal with challenges such as handling cryogenic fuels, hydrogen combustion and measuring the turbine inlet temperature, as well as the durability performance and dynamic response of the system, among others. Several advanced physics are provided in robust and validated Simcenter models (Figure 5). The design workflow runs on automated workflows and design space explorations to handle conflicts between different disciplines. Components such as burners, blades, assemblies, engines, subsystems, and ultimately the aircraft as a whole can be designed in a similar way to meet different design requirements. Figure 5. This multidisciplinary design exploration rendering of a hydrogen-burning hybrid cryogenic propulsion system was generated using the Simcenter 3D , Simcenter STAR-CCM+ , Simcenter Amesim , and HEEDS software tools, accurately representing the aeroelasticity of the design. Simcenter models – including those developed in conjunction with Siemens partners – are generated and run with real-world fidelity to enable aerospace companies to design and deliver real-world systems (figure 6). Simcenter results can be combined with the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio to also take into account the manufacturing capacity of components and systems. Figure 6. This multi-physics design exploration of an H2 micromix burner leverages NX CAD , Simcenter STAR-CCM+, and Simcenter 3D driven by the HEEDS automated optimization tool . (source: B&B AGEMA, RWTH Aachen and Kawasaki) Conclusion Companies such as Siemens Energy,¹⁷ Rolls-Royce¹⁸ and Airbus¹⁹ are carrying out comprehensive evaluations and, in some cases, designing prototypes of hydrogen-powered and hydrogen-hybrid aircraft. However, it is crucial to understand that the transition to sustainable energy sources goes beyond simply modifying aircraft. This transition marks the beginning of a decades-long journey to reimagine aircraft configurations and address challenges that include supply chains, energy production, distribution and logistics networks, airport fueling systems, and more (Figure 7). Figure 7. Ditching fossil fuels requires modernizing energy production and logistics networks, including fuel distribution systems at airports. The Siemens Xcelerator portfolio and Simcenter tools are focused on supporting the digitalization efforts needed to scale the aviation industry toward a sustainable future. At CAEXPERTS (Siemens technology partner specializing in multiphysics computer simulation), we recognize the urgency of the transition to sustainable aviation. The development of hydrogen-powered aircraft and other low-carbon propulsion systems is crucial to addressing the environmental challenges facing our society. With a team of CAE (Computer Aided Engineering) experts and high-performance cloud capabilities, we are ready to lead this revolution in the aerospace industry. Our computer simulation and advanced engineering services are prepared to face the complexity of sustainable aircraft projects. We help industries increase their level of innovation, increase their competitiveness and achieve more efficient operations. If you are committed to innovation and seek solutions to the challenges of sustainable aviation, contact us. Schedule a meeting with CAEXPERTS and discover how our services can boost your projects and accelerate the transition to the aviation of the future. Let's build a cleaner and more sustainable future together. References https://bit.ly/3CxFPTC https://www.spikeaerospace.com/how-many-passengers-are-flying-right-now/ https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210401-the-worlds-first-commercial-hydrogen-plane https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/features/faith-in-batteries/ https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/global/en/our-story/customers/bye-aerospace/78928/ https://www.siemens-energy.com/global/en/offerings/renewable-energy/hydrogen-solutions.html https://www.airbus.com/en/innovation/zero-emission/hydrogen https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/hydrogen_production.html https://www.energy.gov/eere/fuelcells/hydrogen-storage https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/global/en/our-story/customers/siemens-energy/93022/ https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/global/en/our-story/customers/b-b-agema/98716/ https://webinars.sw.siemens.com/en-US/simulation-for-digital-testing-with-bb-agema/ https://webinars.sw.siemens.com/en-US/aerospace-defense-aircraft-propulsion-system-simulation https://www.airbus.com/en/innovation/zero-emission/ hydrogen/zeroe https://www.siemens.com/global/en/products/xcelerator.html https://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/global/en/products/simcenter/ https://www.siemens-energy.com/global/en/offerings/renewable-energy/hydrogen-solutions.html https://www.airbus.com/en/innovation/zero-emission/hydrogen https://www.rolls-royce.com/innovation/net-zero/decarbonising-complex-critical-systems/hydrogen.aspx
- Virtual Biomechanics of Prostheses
How the digitalization of engineering has opened up new solutions to old medical problems. Biomechanics has always sought to understand the complex interactions between biological and mechanical systems, unraveling how organisms move, how their tissues and structures adapt to physical demands, and how these principles can be applied in various areas, including medicine, sport , ergonomics and engineering. Through the analysis of forces, moments, movements and responses of biological systems, biomechanics contributes to improving the understanding of how the body works and to the development of solutions and technologies that benefit health, human performance and quality of life. The challenge of biomechanics in assisting medicine and dentistry has always been great, developing suitable materials, experimenting with geometries, manufacturing prototypes and the final part. To try to do this in an agile way, traditional engineering used strategies such as testing on replicas of human structures, mathematical simplifications of models and “ one size fits all ” solutions. Today, with the digitalization of engineering, it is possible to design a product in a completely virtual way, speeding up the production stages, from design, through testing to manufacturing. Given the limitations, in the past, medical companies were limited to executing only a few design iterations, accepting compromises in their creations. However, the current era is marked by the ability to optimize projects by executing countless iterations, tirelessly seeking the ideal design. With advances in technology, materials and manufacturing methods, the next generation of medical devices are becoming more affordable, comfortable and faster to produce. See the example of the revolution that Siemens products generate in the development of prosthetics. The new frontiers of prosthetics Today's prosthetic devices are undergoing constant advances in complexity and customization. To remain competitive within a highly challenging scenario, companies must seek innovations in products and design processes. It is necessary to consider cost, comfort and customization when improving products to meet customer needs. An example of necessity is the following, as an amputee patient grows, their prosthesis needs to adapt to the increasing size of the limb. This growth is a challenge that can make it difficult for children to access prosthetics from an early age. The current cost of replacing a prosthesis annually is prohibitive for many patients. The solution lies in finding ways to reduce the costs of prosthetics and make these devices more accessible to everyone. Furthermore, we know that each patient has particularities in their anatomy, and, while adjustable prostheses meet patients' needs, the ability to digitize the geometry of the region in which the prosthesis will be fitted and design a customized prosthesis model for each patient makes ensuring that the fit is always good and the prosthesis is comfortable from the first use, not to mention the possibilities for optimization in prostheses subjected to high-performance environments, such as prosthetic blades for athletes. How can we transform this process With its integrated set of tools, Siemens enables companies to reduce prosthetic costs, offer customized features and improve the efficiency of their products. The virtual design approach enabled by NX enables patients around the world to access prosthetic devices without the need for in-person consultations. Siemens software opens up countless opportunities for the development of prosthetics, making the process more agile and accessible for those who depend on these devices. NX offers a variety of easy-to - use tools for surface modeling. NX Realize Shape software is an affordable design solution for advanced shape creation. For athletes, prosthetics can be precisely tailored to fit a specific body shape, improving performance with the help of NX 's flexible design tools . This software allows designers to create refined shapes by subdividing an initial body into specific details, providing precise cutouts and geometry extrusions. Additive manufacturing and other production technologies thrive with Realize Shape 's innovative approach to shape development. NX takes additive manufacturing to a new level, significantly expanding the range of products that can be manufactured. Additive manufacturing in NX makes it possible to create lightweight, durable and breathable prosthetics. Design automation replaces labor-intensive processes that involve translations between multiple design tools. Integrated tools allow 3D scanning to be incorporated directly into the socket design, automating the process and resulting in a high-quality, repeatable and personalized socket for each customer. The integration of NX with CAE (Computer Aided Engineering ) enables highly optimized projects. HEEDS software, for example, is a tool that enables simulation-driven design. HEEDS can connect all CAD and CAE tools, accelerating innovation in the product development process. “HEEDS accelerates the product development process by automating analysis workflows (Process Automation), maximizing available hardware and software computing resources (Distributed Execution), and efficiently exploring the design space for innovative solutions (Efficient Search) , while evaluating new concepts ensuring that performance requirements are met (Insight & Discovery).” Simcenter 3D, meanwhile, is a fully integrated, computer-aided design solution for complex engineering challenges. This software offers advanced 3D modeling and effective simulation capabilities to gain a better understanding and improve the overall performance of products. In the aforementioned context of a prosthetic blade for athletes, Simcenter 3D and HEEDS can be used to enhance performance simulation before the product is subjected to real competition conditions. Product performance is of paramount importance. Choosing to use these software allows companies to use several integrated design workflows to test product performance before it reaches customers. Producing a design that achieves optimal performance with greater efficiency improves the overall quality of a company. The future with the use of NX , Simcenter 3D and HEEDS enables growth in market shares with lower development costs and higher quality products. In general, the use of these integrated software enables a more comfortable, reliable and accessible design for the patient, while resulting in cost savings for the company. Want to know more? Schedule your meeting with CAEXPERTS right now and understand how we can help you.
- Unraveling the Complexity of Energy Systems: The Power of Simulation
Hello everybody! In an ever-evolving world where operational efficiency, cost reduction and lower emissions have become crucial priorities for Energy and Utilities (E&U) companies, technology is playing a key role. And in this scenario, simulation is leading the revolution. In our latest video, we'll dive deep into the world of simulation and how it powers data-driven decisions that drive innovation and cut costs. It's the smartest way to face E&U's challenges today. E&U companies face intense pressures to improve operational efficiency while reducing costs and emissions. Our video reveals how advanced engineering simulation and testing solutions can: Provide end-to-end engineering analysis and insights across an integrated portfolio. Cover all phases of development of energy assets and systems. Improve collaboration between simulation teams and other engineering disciplines. Enable superior designs while reducing prototyping times and costs. Help engineers identify innovations in plants and assets that accelerate decarbonization. Regardless of rapidly changing market conditions, simulation can help your business achieve continuous improvements across the entire energy supply chain. The energy industry faces constant volatility in prices and supply, as well as the pressing need to reduce emissions. To thrive in this changing environment, energy companies can maximize their innovation through the power of multiphysics simulation. We will examine how simulation helps companies master their complexity, achieving reliable results and sustainable operations. Whether you want to achieve breakthroughs in chemical process engineering or decarbonize your supply chain, simulation empowers your engineers with insights that drive innovation. Physics-based simulation data models define optimal designs for new energy assets, and when combined with a closed-loop digital twin, your engineers can better understand and predict system behavior, leading to improved designs and optimized production. Promoting teamwork and collaboration is key, and our cloud-based simulation solution connects engineering teams to promote teamwork and collaboration. Integrates and retains simulation output analysis in a shared digital twin. With critical information instantly accessible to key stakeholders, decision-making and execution improve dramatically. Discover how your business can achieve its sustainability goals by watching our video. We invite you to explore the endless possibilities that simulation offers for the energy and utilities sector. Watch the video now and start your journey towards more efficient operations, more reliable results and a more sustainable future. Join us in this exciting exploration of simulation in power system development and optimization. It's time to shape the future of the E&U industry with the power of simulation. Schedule a conversation now with CAEXPERTS , technological partner of SIEMENS Digital Industries Software, specialist in complex multiphysics simulations that drive technological development.
- Large Assemblies in Solid Edge
Working with large assemblies can be challenging. If you've worked on a large assembly with 500 or more parts, you're probably familiar with software slowdowns and even crashes that can occur with these larger assemblies. Fortunately, Solid Edge offers several techniques you can employ to improve performance when dealing with large assemblies. Solid Edge now supports a large assembly mode. A mode in which several applications and display settings have been tuned to provide improved performance with large assemblies. A new option has been added to Solid Edge Options > Assembly Open As a page to automatically apply/override various user and document settings that will improve performance. Settings made for this mode will be applicable only the context of the large assembly documents and their tree structure. Other non-large documents will use the default settings defined by the user & documents. Large Assembly mode is set based on assembly size crossing the threshold defined in Options->Assembly Open As settings. This mode can be seen on Home > Modes panel. You can use a toggle switch to enter and exit large assembly mode. Large Assembly mode gets applied on Assembly File Open, Place Part of a large assembly or component into the active ASM, Edit Open of a large sub-assembly and Edit open of assembly from Draft. View Settings Floor reflections High Quality Cast Shadows Floor Shadows Ambient Shadows Silhouettes Depth Fading Display Settings Settings > Options > View Tab Display drop shadows during view operations = OFF (Default is Off but prevent a user from modifying) Process hidden edges during view operations = OFF View Transitions = OFF Auto-sharpen = OFF (Default is Off but prevent a user from modifying) Glow Set to 0 (consider a checkbox) Use shading on highlight = OFF Use shading on selection = OFF Settings > Options > Assembly Dim surrounding components when a selection is made in relationship pf = OFF Inactivate hidden and unused components every XXX minutes = ON Highlighting PartsFast Locate Using Box Display Fast Locate Using Box Display You can improve large assembly performance by setting the Fast Locate Using Box Display option on the Assembly tab on the Options dialog box. When you pause your cursor over a part in the assembly, it will highlight using a rectangular range box, instead of all the graphic display elements of the part. Fast Locate using box display for assemblies When checked, subassemblies are displayed using a rectangular range box (A) instead of the graphic display elements of the geometry (B). Setting this option improves display performance when highlighting and selecting components in an assembly. This setting should be considered an option when working with large assemblies. Fast Locate when over pathfinder Setting the Fast Locate When Over Pathfinder option on the Assembly tab on the Options dialog box also allows you to improve performance. When you set this option, the name of the assembly component is displayed in the message field when you pass the cursor over the component name in Pathfinder, but it does not highlight in the graphics window. When you clear this option, the assembly component highlights in the graphics window when you pass the cursor over the component name in Pathfinder. In summary, Solid Edge contains user-configurable options that help to improve interactive performance with large assemblies. Watch the video below to see in full how simple it is: If you want to get the most out of Solid Edge and the technological innovations that CAEXPERTS can offer, don't wait any longer to improve the performance of your projects. We are ready to help you optimize your engineering and design processes. Don't miss the opportunity to take a leap in efficiency and productivity. Schedule a meeting with the CAEXPERTS team of experts right now and discover how we can take your work to a new level. Click the button below to schedule your meeting and embark on the journey towards technological success with CAEXPERTS !
- Hybrid vehicle analysis with Simcenter Amesim
How does digital engineering drive electrification? Hybrid vehicles have been developed as a form of alternative mobility to comply with increasing international regulations for a sustainable future. In this scenario of major changes in policies and accelerated technological evolution, a digital model is essential to maintain competitive development times, identify project bottlenecks in the early stages and reduce or eliminate the cost of building unnecessary prototypes. Model Building Consider the initial scenario of an electrification project: I have my vehicle's specifications, a variety of components to evaluate, and several possible configurations for the arrangement of these components. How to analyze the impact of these choices on final performance? Traditionally, responsible engineers use heuristics to reduce the universe of decisions to a handful of possibilities, which can then be evaluated by the team in the early weeks of the project. Alternatively, it is possible to set up a digital representation of the system in Simcenter Amesim , as in the simulation below. Configuration of a parallel hybrid vehicle Configuration of a series hybrid vehicle Configuring components from business data allows you to quickly evaluate key system metrics in different scenarios. To compare performance between the two architectures, we chose three driving cycles representative of real conditions: Urban Dynamometer Driving Schedule (UDDS): American standardized test that represents urban driving conditions Highway Fuel Economy Test cycle (HWFET): highway driving cycle with a high-speed profile used to determine the fuel economy rates of light vehicles My daily route to work: the cycle is automatically generated by Amesim using public GPS and traffic data. In general, the engine of a parallel configuration can be smaller than that used in a series architecture, as it transfers work directly to the wheels without losing energy for electromechanical conversion. For this study, the same engine was used in both configurations, and the other components were chosen to be as similar as possible. Analysis After a few seconds of simulation we obtain a concise summary of the performance of the configurations in each cycle. In a quick analysis we can see that the series architecture is a little more efficient in urban driving conditions. Furthermore, the driving cycle results obtained by GPS are consistent with those obtained by UDDS. Another critical parameter is battery power consumption and savings during the driving cycle. This is called SOC ( State of Charge ). The batteries are recharged during braking or when the SOC reaches certain limits, determined by the chosen control strategy. What does all this mean? As seen above, Simcenter Amesim represents the electric vehicle system by a comprehensible and highly customizable diagram, which allows rapid determination of vehicle subsystems from commercial data for rapid validation of new components and configurations in pre-design stages. In more advanced stages, it is possible to detail the control strategies and performance curves of critical components, such as batteries and motors, for a simulation of critical factors — for example, heating and energy demand. All of this makes it possible to evaluate the functioning of the project in conditions close to real ones from the initial stages. The only way to balance a large number of variables is to consider them comprehensively from the beginning of the process. In the digital world, the evaluation of different scenarios is optimized to save team work time, reduce time to market for the final product and enable evidence-based design decisions, resulting in greater added value to the final product. In addition to system modeling, when geometric aspects and spatial distribution of the quantities involved are relevant, digital engineering employs multiphysics virtual prototyping in 3 dimensions, considering fluid dynamic, thermal, chemical, structural, acoustic, electromagnetic effects, complex materials, constructive forms and manufacturing processes. Consult CAEXPERTS now to find out more about how we can help your company boost technological innovation and competitiveness. Let's talk about CAE?
- The role of Green Hydrogen in the reformulation of the global sustainable energy matrix
You will find in this article: An intriguing and engaging point of view, with a critical and practical approach, to stimulate ideas and solutions to today's energy challenges. Let's review concepts, review the bases, going beyond corporate marketing, and point the way! Warming up the turbines... We have to admit, for a long time, we used energy in an archaic way. It's been a long time since man discovered fire, and this has been our main way of generating energy ever since. Burning, or destroying, is easy, but it has side effects. We were not able to make good use of the thermal energy released and the by-products, which, in general, are harmful to the environment. We should look more at conversion and decomposition, taking inspiration from natural processes, which are much more subtle. Take, for example, photosynthesis, which converts carbon dioxide molecules into oxygen and gives carbon a noble destination, with the help of a complex and inexhaustible source of energy that is the sun. Molecules such as chlorophyll and melatonin act as catalysts for the subtle reactions of making concentrated energy available. Reviewing distorted concepts... First, let's review two concepts that have distorted interpretations in the scientific-industrial-business context, which are “decarbonization” and “green hydrogen”. We should use integrated impact on the environment and society as a labeling criterion. It makes no sense to talk about a decarbonization agenda at any cost (whether economic or environmental side effects). It makes no sense to talk about green or blue hydrogen processes if the process in question is not efficient in technical-economic terms, or if it generates a negative environmental impact in some way. For example, from this point of view, the nuclear fusion of hydrogen is no longer so interesting, as it is expensive, dangerous and aimed essentially at generating heat. Decarbonizing and using green hydrogen just to please investors and embellish ESG reporting is not fair, it doesn't hold up. Sustainability has to be a choice, not a showcase. What do you mean, a choice? Engineers' mission is to make people's lives easier, using technology to improve society's quality of life, without harming the environment. There are infinite ways to produce technology, to generate energy, to make life easier for society. It cannot be expensive, and it definitely cannot harm the environment. Why hydrogen? The interesting thing is that hydrogen (green or not, whatever the label) allows for many energy generation routes. It's very versatile. We can say that it is the way to diversify energy availability in various configurations. Let's take as an example a route that uses the concentrated energy of ethanol, generated by renewable crops, to generate hydrogen, and that will generate electricity for cars (or whatever else is electrified, planes, ships, heavy machinery, agricultural implements, robots, etc.), with by-products like water, some heat and graphite (which goes back into the soil). Interesting, isn't it?! How to get there? How to be efficient? How to compact? How to make it portable? How to make it safe? How to make it cheaper? Keep reading this article ... How does nature convert matter? Now, let's remember how the natural processes of generation and accumulation of condensed energy in nature are. Petroleum, for example, is generated from organic matter under the action of high pressure, temperature and time. Our body's movement is propelled by energy stored in the form of fat (at our waist 😊), which came from food, which in turn came from the soil, and which received sun. There were several chemical reactions of conversion of matter and energy, which assumed different forms, some more stable, others not, ignited, accelerated or catalyzed by the conditions of the medium. The secret is the medium... Here is the key point: the secret is in the conditions of the medium where the chemical reaction takes place! Traditionally, industry (and nature) already uses catalysts and already controls the conditions of the medium (pressure, temperature, humidity, pH, etc.). Zeolites are the stars in this regard. They have a large surface area, mineral molecules naturally found in volcanic formations, and may include some synthetic additives. They are also called molecular sieves, as they sequester, or let pass, or exchange certain molecules in a reaction, greatly reducing the energy required for conversion. That is, it is not necessary to use brute force to perform the conversion. To better explain the role of the medium (catalysts, temperature, etc., or rather, field variables) in reactions, it's like when you want to enter any house: you can use brute force, break down the door, engage in a brawl with whoever is inside, or you can establish an affinity and be invited in gently. The power of catalysts... Still on zeolites: What do these volcanic and/or synthetic minerals have in common? These minerals are in crystalline form. The crystalline structure of crystal molecules is like a set of complex springs that can assume specific vibrations, which interact directly in resonance (vibrational affinity) with the molecules we want to convert, facilitating this conversion with less energy use. Not just with zeolites... Catalysts, in general, such as chlorophyll and melatonin, and many others, have the ability to have a selective vibrational affinity for a certain type of molecules and atoms. How to boost conversion... We can control the conditions of the medium, not only the traditional ones like temperature, pressure, pH, concentrations, but also the electric field, the magnetic orientation of molecules, the level of agglomeration (clusters) of molecules in solution, irradiation of resonant electromagnetic waves (microwaves, etc.) or sound waves (ultrasound, etc.), ionization, surface treatments (specific layers, electrochemical deposition, etc.), fluid dynamics processes (turbulence, vacuum, centrifugation, selective filtration, etc.), operational cycling (pressure, temperature, concentration, electrical voltage or magnetic field, etc.). These are the effects called accelerators or conversion boosters. Conclusion Hydrogen, being the simplest molecule, has a lot of molecular connection versatility, and results in more control (or assertiveness) of the reaction products. All materials dense in chemical or electrochemical energy (not just hydrocarbons) have hydrogen in their composition, or react with hydrogen. Thus, we can say that it plays a crucial role in remodeling our energy matrix, from portable and mobile devices to large industrial facilities. And the catalysts based on crystalline minerals consequently as well. As a final message, we suggest that we focus our scientific and technological attention more on vibration and less on matter, more on silicon and less on carbon * ! “If you want to understand the Universe, think about energy, frequency and vibration.” Nikola Tesla * Let's say that silicon, the base of crystalline mineral structures, presents a much more versatile crystalline structure than that of carbon, being able to generate more geometric patterns of molecular arrangements, with many more degrees of freedom, which results in richer vibrational patterns, or complex electromagnetic radiation, which consequently provide more versatile catalysts and easier energy conversions. Who we are? We are CAEXPERTS, Simulation Specialists! A technology-based company, specializing in projects, consulting, research, development and innovation in engineering, which has experienced technical consultants, pioneers in the implementation of computer simulation technologies in the national industry. We are technological partners of SIEMENS Digital Industries Software, and we have a wide range of engineering simulators, the most advanced in the world in each of their areas, in addition to scalable high-performance computing resources in the cloud. We have a unique way of working with our customers, being partners for technological development and innovation, adding our customers' knowledge to our experience, knowledge in advanced engineering, practicality, creativity and assertiveness, helping them to do more, faster and better. With the help of intensive engineering digitization, we help our customers to leverage their technological innovation potential, bringing years to months, and at a very competitive cost. We develop processes, products, equipment, systems, in the most diverse engineering disciplines, being experts in complex multiphysics interactions and resource optimization (costs, materials, weight, dimensions, energy, collateral impacts, durability, security, robustness, ... ). Book a conversation with us to learn more by clicking below!
- Understand Solid Edge Synchronous Technology
What you will learn in this post: In this material, you will explore Synchronous Technology, the opinion of current users about it and the areas where this approach can save time and resources: Fast and flexible design creation Fast response to late-stage design changes Seamless editing of imported 3D CAD data Improved reuse of designs from other 3D CAD models Simultaneous editing of multiple parts in an assembly Easier simulation preparation Going beyond traditional modeling approaches to solve design challenges Remember that time you were almost done with a project and you got a last-minute change request? And when did you start implementing it and the model got completely out of whack? This is frustrating, isn't it? And that doesn't just happen with a single project, right? Reusing designs, handling imported data and making changes - why do such commonplace activities still pose so many challenges? Is engineering design not complex enough already? You spend most of your time at work, sacrificing vacations and facing staff shortages to keep up with all the projects. You engage in customer meetings, collaborate with suppliers, participate in conference calls, and hold conversations on the shop floor. And you are not alone! Isn't it time things got simpler? Isn't product development software supposed to be a tool to help you? Synchronous technology makes it possible to quickly create and edit conceptual designs, respond promptly to change requests, and perform simultaneous updates to multiple parts of an assembly. The reuse of projects, the manipulation of imported data and the implementation of changes are easily facilitated by the Synchronous technology, which assists in the activities that you routinely perform, making them more agile and convenient. Advantages of Synchronous Technology: We are all familiar with traditional modeling methods - direct and history-based - with their respective advantages and disadvantages. However, what if there was a way to combine the strengths of both modeling approaches, allowing you to design with the agility of direct modeling and the control and intelligence of history-based modeling? This possibility already exists: it is called Synchronous Technology in Solid Edge . Synchronous Technology in Solid Edge enables you to quickly create new conceptual designs, respond quickly to change requests, and perform simultaneous updates to multiple parts in an assembly. With this design flexibility, you can avoid the need for complex pre-planning, avoiding resource failures, rebuilding issues, and time-consuming rework. The power of Synchronous Technology makes it possible to treat cross-platform CAD data as if it were native formats, facilitating seamless collaboration with partners and suppliers. However, it is important to be careful. While many vendors claim to offer "flexible" modeling or a "combination of direct and feature-based modeling" approach, these approaches are not always equally effective. This text will show you how to ensure that you understand how the vendors you are evaluating are actually implementing this functionality and what the implications of this approach are. Synchronous Technology lets you focus on the design instead of worrying about the complexities of the CAD application. This means you can spend more time on product development, which is at the heart of your career. By eliminating low-value-added tasks, you recover more of your personal time. Choosing Approaches: Direct and History-Based Modeling Direct and History-Based Modeling Product development software vendors generally take one of two main approaches to creating and modifying geometry: direct modeling and history-based modeling (also known as ordered or feature-based modeling). Each approach has its advantages, but also presents specific challenges. Direct modeling, for example, offers ample flexibility. You can create and modify geometries by selecting them and then applying operations such as pushing, pulling, dragging, or rotating. The modifications are not registered by the software, that is, there is no saved history of the operations carried out, and the interrelationships are not maintained. History-based modeling is a structured process where a resource history tree, with parent-child relationships, is created to define the model. This requires prior planning of design intent, including dimensions, parameters, and relationships. History-Based Modeling: Powerful but Inflexible In history-based modeling, the structure and order of features determine how the model reacts to changes or edits. This results in predictable edits to underlying sketches using precise dimensional changes. This ability to control resources also allows you to easily automate changes and link resources. However, designers must plan carefully for model construction, as simple edits can be time-consuming and, in more complex cases, may require a complete rebuild. Also, if a model has a lot of features, recalculating them can affect performance, taking minutes to hours. Few options for editing imported geometries When dealing with imported geometries, which do not have associated features or parameters, making modifications is more complicated. This often involves recreating the design intent, often removing existing geometry and manually adding new features. In this process, you would use the parameters of these new features to drive the changes. As the project progresses, flexibility decreases as modifications are restricted to the definition of each feature. Scope is also limited by existing resources and parameters. Fragility of Complex Models When a change is made to a feature created early in the design, the edit affects the entire model from that point onwards. Features created after editing need to be recalculated based on the new entries, which can trigger a series of cascading failures. In many cases, modifying one feature can cause a chain reaction of bugs throughout the model, making it easier to start from scratch. 62% of CAD users agree that history-based modeling is powerful but inflexible, slowing down conceptual design due to time-consuming advance planning and making changes at later stages difficult. Direct Modeling: Intuitive but Limited Direct modeling does not keep a history of features or record the model creation process. There are no underlying feature sketches that define the part. Edits are performed by selecting the part to be modified and changing it - fast and simple. Since changes are not registered as features, subsequent edits do not affect system performance. However, due to lack of resources or history, direct modeling lacks accuracy in edits or automation through parametric inputs. Lack of Organization in Design and Complex Edits While it is possible to add dimensions and even create relationships in direct modeling, control over design intent and purpose is a weakness. This makes it difficult to automate smart changes. Furthermore, the lack of recognition of the relationships between different parts of the geometry can result in difficulties in creating accurate matches. The lack of organization and engineering intent in the models also makes it difficult to identify specific features and related groups that need to be changed. Dimension-driven editing is also less accurate compared to feature-based modeling. The Best of Both Worlds: Synchronous Technology to Solve Design Challenges What if there was a way to bring together the best aspects of each modeling approach, allowing you to design with the speed and simplicity of direct modeling, while maintaining the control and intelligence of history-based design? This possibility is already a reality: it is Synchronous Technology. Synchronous Technology in Solid Edge enables the agile creation of new conceptual designs, quick responses to change requests, and the simultaneous updating of multiple parts in an assembly. With this design flexibility, you can eliminate complex pre-planning, avoiding resource failures, rebuild issues, and time-consuming rework. Additionally, Synchronous Technology's ability to treat multi-CAD data as native files enables effective collaboration with partners and suppliers. Synchronous Technology: Fast and Flexible Synchronous Technology combines the strengths of direct and history-based modeling approaches, offering a unique set of capabilities. Users now have access to a powerful yet easy-to-use solution. Those who have tried Synchronous Technology have also reported that it has helped them overcome their main challenges: The Value of Synchronous Technology: More Agility Fast and Flexible Design Creation With Synchronous Technology, you can start conceptual designs immediately using integrated 2D and 3D sketches, without the need for time-consuming pre-planning. You work directly with the design geometry and can make changes instantly, while maintaining control through feature trees organized as needed. Precision in Direct Modeling Synchronous Technology offers the best of both worlds: the agility of direct modeling combined with precise parametric control, including face matching, scaling with design intent control, and intuitive 3D edits without the need for sketches. It's fast, easy, and most importantly, accurate. Agile Responses to Change in Advanced Stages With Synchronous Technology, making changes is simple, even for history-based models. Simply update reference dimensions or manipulate geometry, without worrying about feature failures, troublesome rebuilds, or lengthy rework. Simultaneous Editing of Multiple Parts in an Assembly Easily edit multiple parts in an assembly without the complexity of history-based edits or the need to establish relationships between parts. Select and drag to make changes. “Our process engineer advised me to taper the sides. This would have taken two hours in the ordered environment. With synchronous technology, it took one minute.” Daryl Collins, Designer, Planet Dryers “Through synchronous technology, the system has improved significantly. I'm really excited about how easy it is to operate. Synchronous technology means a quantum leap in the user-friendliness of 3D CAD systems.” Rainer Schmid, Gerente Geral Assistente e Coproprietário, Waldis The Value of Synchronous Technology: Easier Easy Editing of Imported Data With Synchronous Technology, importing files from other 3D CAD systems is as simple as opening them. Editing of imported data is performed by clicking and dragging the features. Dimensions can be added and edited in real time, and smart updates happen automatically, as if a history tree were present. Want to learn more about library migration to Solid Edge and support for other 3D CAD systems, click here ! Improved Design Reuse of Other Templates Easily reuse design details from other templates with a simple copy and paste. Synchronous Technology treats files in other CAD formats as if they were native to Solid Edge . Design Intent Recognition Synchronous Technology recognizes and preserves design intent in real time, enabling predictable and effective changes, speeding revisions. Preparation for Simulations Preparing a model for finite element analysis (FEA) is simple with Solid Edge Synchronous Technology , even if you are not a 3D CAD expert. Solid Edge provides easy-to-use tools for preparing FEA simulations, regardless of whether the geometry was created in Solid Edge or another 3D CAD tool. Harnessing the Power of Synchronous Technology in Solid Edge Solid Edge is an affordable, easy-to-use suite of software tools that cover all aspects of the product development process - from 3D design to simulations, manufacturing, data management and more. Synchronous Technology in Solid Edge combines the best elements of direct and history-based modeling in a single design environment. This allows you to design with intuitive discoveries, precise control, and the ability to capture design intent. The ability to make adjustments at any point and understand existing geometric relationships facilitates changes to feature-based models and imported geometry. The True Power of Synchronous Technology At the end of the day, what Synchronous Technology in Solid Edge really offers is the ability to focus on the design rather than the CAD tool. This means you can dedicate more time to the core activity of designing products, freeing up more personal time as low value-added activities are reduced. “Using Solid Edge with synchronous technology, I can actually do many more iterations now that I wasn't able to do before. And because of that, the cost of the product comes down. The weight of the product comes down. The performance The profit margin loves it.” John Winter, Gerente de Engenharia Mecânica, Bird Technologies Differences Matter While many vendors claim to offer "flexible" modeling or a combination of direct and feature-based modeling, not all approaches are created equal. When evaluating vendors, it's important to understand how they deliver this functionality and the implications of the chosen approach. "Translation" approach One approach maintains separate environments for direct and feature-based modeling and translates any creations or modifications between them. This approach may seem logical, but it can lead to problems. Feature-based modeling geometry follows predefined definitions, while direct modeling allows for more dramatic changes that may violate feature definitions. How to translate these changes? This approach still lacks clear solutions. "Featurization" approach Similar to the translation approach, this one maintains separate environments for direct and resource-based modeling, but registers actions as resources. This can result in many additional features and increased interdependent complexity. This can make models more prone to failure, and users can end up creating more complicated models than if they had only used feature-based modeling. Synchronous Approach Unlike previous approaches, Solid Edge takes a synchronous approach, leveraging the best of both approaches in a single environment. There is no back and forth translation and no hidden features to complicate the model. Synchronous Technology allows designers to make intuitive changes to design intent using the 3D model's own faces. Geometric relationships are automatically recognized and maintained, simplifying editing without user intervention. In short, Synchronous Technology in Solid Edge gives you the ability to design quickly, accurately and flexibly, eliminating many of the challenges found in traditional modeling approaches. This allows designers to focus on design, making the most of their work time and freeing up more personal time. If you're ready to experience the innovation of Synchronous Technology in Solid Edge and discover how it can revolutionize your designs, we're here to help. Schedule your meeting with us at CAEXPERTS and explore the future of design and engineering. Click below and book your time slot now for an exclusive demo. Se você está pronto para experimentar a inovação da Tecnologia Síncrona no Solid Edge e descobrir como ela pode revolucionar seus projetos, estamos aqui para ajudar. Agende sua reunião conosco na CAEXPERTS e explore o futuro do design e da engenharia. Clique abaixo e reserve agora o seu horário para uma demonstração exclusiva. Did you like it? They are and check out our post with some other features of Solid Edge by clicking on: Solid Edge: Designed to expand your business. Want to get an overview and learn even more about Solid Edge ? Click here !
- The Importance of Sustainable Practices in the Energy Sector
Nowadays, sustainability is a hot topic, and that's no wonder. There are several reasons why this happens. Several countries around the world are striving to achieve net zero emissions. At the same time, organizations and ordinary people alike are doing their part to reduce the negative impact on the environment. In addition, they are establishing more effective ways to care for the planet. This goes beyond just doing the right thing – it's also a business movement, where organizations are taking environmental and social responsibility to drive positive change and sustainable economic growth. After all, sustainability makes good business. The US Environmental Protection Agency defines the pursuit of sustainability as “creating and maintaining conditions under which humans and nature can coexist in productive harmony to sustain present and future generations”. At Siemens, our technology partner, sustainability is an essential part of the overall strategy, which is organized through the DEGREE framework. This approach covers many areas, from reducing emissions to issues of ethics, governance, efficient use of resources, equity and employability. The energy industry and its significant role in advancing sustainability A look at different perspectives within the energy sector reveals fundamental key points: The energy industry is undergoing a global transformation that redefines our relationship with natural resources. In this context, sustainability emerges as the main guiding criterion. It is essential to consider sustainability at each stage of the energy value chain to minimize negative impacts. Investments in digital solutions play a crucial role in addressing complex transformation challenges and ensuring profitability and growth in line with environmental priorities. Sustainable business practices not only meet growing energy needs, but also safeguard the planet for future generations. The quest for sustainability is, at its core, simple. With knowledge and technology in hand, the challenge is to make it the top priority. While this is a challenging task, it is vital that everyone assumes their share of responsibility for ensuring a livable planet for generations to come. Energy production and consumption play central roles in developed economies. Although the quest for energy is inherent, different sources have different implications for sustainable development. It is crucial to adopt policies that drive economic growth and social progress without compromising the global environmental balance. The intrinsic connection between all life forms and nature is highlighted through a more holistic perspective. By recognizing the interdependence of all elements, the need to align our activities with nature's limits and opportunities emerges as a universal imperative. Minimizing resource extraction and restoring what was taken from the Earth is the key to sustainable coexistence. Energy is the engine of creation, encompassing all forms of life and matter. Taking advantage of it in a sustainable and conscious way is essential to guarantee a better quality of life for us and the next generations. A lifestyle geared towards reducing consumption, with an emphasis on reuse and recycling, is fundamental to preserving the natural resources that sustain life in all its manifestations. Incorporating these principles across industries, from design to product maintenance, is a route to a more harmonious future. The adoption of strategies and actions that place environmental and social responsibility as a priority has a lasting impact on the economic scenario. Energy efficiency, renewable energy, responsible management of chemicals and circular economy practices are clear examples of how companies can reduce their environmental impact. This results in sustainable development and generation of value for all stakeholders in the long term. Sustainability and Innovation: Producing Sustainable Batteries In the current scenario, the demand for sustainable energy drives challenges in the production of high quality batteries. The partnership between CAEXPERTS and Siemens, leaders in technology and innovation, offers a pioneering approach. Digitization is the essential tool for aligning sustainability and quality. CAEXPERTS brings expertise in digital engineering, while Siemens offers advanced solutions. Together they are shaping efficient and sustainable batteries, responding to the urgency of reducing our environmental impact. The transformation encompasses the entire value chain, from design to production, promoting efficiency and innovation towards a sustainable future. Driving sustainability forward with digitalization Looking to the future, digitalization plays an important role in the pursuit of sustainability. The World Economic Forum predicts that digital solutions can contribute to a global reduction of up to 20% in emissions. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and the Internet of Things are being used to predict energy demand and improve efficiency. CAEXPERTS is dedicated to being a partner in the pursuit of sustainable growth in industries. Our high-performance and value-added technological solutions are a reflection of this commitment. We have a team experienced in advanced engineering and digital engineering solutions (CAE, computer-aided engineering), as well as expert consulting services and virtual prototyping. With scalable hardware and software resources in the cloud, we can develop custom solutions to meet every need. Our focus on computer simulation allows us to analyze and optimize systems and processes in energy, environmental and economic terms, optimizing costs and design times. In addition, we are at the forefront of research and development projects, where intensive digitalization is applied to reduce costs and accelerate the development of clean energies, shaping the future. We are available to collaborate as an innovation partner in the market. Our ability to conduct large-scale research and development projects, with an emphasis on digitization, is an effective tool for driving technological advances. CAEXPERTS is ready to be your partner in the journey towards pioneering clean energy solutions. Contact us to schedule a meeting and explore how we can contribute to a sustainable and innovative future.
- What’s New in Simcenter Femap in 2023
Simulate rotor dynamics, be more productive Simcenter™ Femap™ software is a versatile finite element analysis (FEA) pre-/postprocessor for robust meshing and model definition , interoperability with Simcenter Nastran and other popular solvers, and overall ease-of-use. Simcenter Femap is an ideal solution when you need to use a traditional mesh-centric approach. What does mesh-centric mean? This means you can easily work with legacy FEA models that might not have the original geometry that was used to create them. For example, you might import an old bulk data file, and with Simcenter Femap, you can easily re-use and make edits to that mesh. In 2023, Simcenter Femap continues this trend by introducing key features and updates to enhance your productivity and collaboration, streamline your modeling processes for geometry, meshing, analysis, and postprocessing. Highlights of the new enhancements introduced in Simcenter Femap versions 2301 and 2306: The products you engineer experience a wide array of phenomena, and you need tools that can help you efficiently model and simulate what is happening to your products before you build them. Simcenter Femap helps you create the FE models needed to accurately simulate product performance. These new enhancements will help you solve even more complex problems. Create rotor dynamics models for Simcenter Nastran Rotor Dynamics If you're engineering rotating machinery, then the latest release of Simcenter Femap is for you. In 2023, Simcenter Femap introduces support for Simcenter Nastran Rotor Dynamics (SOL 414) so that you can more efficiently create rotor dynamics models. Add or remove elements during a nonlinear solve Sometimes when performing a nonlinear analysis, you need the option to remove or add elements to the model as simulating to accurately capture behavior, such as when a material might have completely failed when something is bending. In 2023, Simcenter Femap introduces the ability to define element addition and removal for nonlinear simulations using Simcenter Nastran Multistep Nonlinear solution SOL401. Capture additional key results data not calculated by the solver with computed vectors Solvers create a lot of data, but even still, your solver might not give you the specific metric you need for your application. Exmaples can include failure theories or envelopes of results. Simcenter Femap introduces Computed Vectors in 2023 which let you calculate the key results you need that the solver doesn’t provide in its result file. Meshing finite element models can be a tedious process. Simcenter Femap provides the tools you need that help make this process go faster. The following enhancements introduced into Simcenter Femap in 2023 help make you more productive so you spend less time on meshing and modeling and more time on engineering. Use mesh points with Body Mesher Many times, you might need to force a node on your mesh to be at a certain location. In 2023, the Body Mesher command in Simcenter Femap now recognizes hard points. The helps you ensure nodes are placed at the specific locations needed when you initially create the mesh and reduces extra time needed go back and maually edit node locations. Update line elements connected to other element types using the Mesh / Mesh on Mesh command n some finite element models, you might use a line element as a stiffener, which could then be connected to a shell mesh in your model. During the CAE process, sometimes you may want to refine or coarsen your shell mesh. But this action could pose a problem to the connectivity of your line elements. In 2023, Simcenter Femap allows you to update line elements at the same time as you refine or coarsen the model. This saves you time so you don’t need to perform multiple meshing operations and also ensures your model maintains connectivity. Quickly create mesh to connect different regions of your model, regardless of complexity Sometimes you might have different sections of your mesh that might not be connected together. Simcenter Femap now gives you an easy way to quickly create a mesh that connects these sections together, regardless of the complexity of the shape of the model. Find the right command quickly Simcenter Femap has been around for over 30 years, and so there are a lot of commands and functionality that have built up over that time. This means finding the right command can sometimes take time. In 2023, Simcenter Femap now includes a Command Finder that can help you get to the command you need just by typing in a few keywords. In many organizations, the simulation team seems to exist in a world of its own, disconnected from the broader design and development process. However, it’s important for the simulation team to be tied to the broader digital thread across the organization so that simulation engineers know they are simulating and providing feedback on the latest designs. New capabilities introduced in 2023 help Simcenter Femap users stay integrated with development: Create and manage Femap files directly in Teamcenter Too often, simulation engineers work outside of a the PDM system used by the rest of the organization to track designs and configurations. This can easily lead to mix ups where engineers don’t simulate the right version of a product release, or simulation results get lost in the shuffle. In 2023, you can now directly manage Femap files in Teamcenter directly from the Femap interface. This means you can make sure the organization knows which simulation files were used for a particular design. Improved monitoring when solving multiple analysis sets at once Simulation teams are very busy, often working on multiple projects or multiple analyses at the same time. As a result, keeping track of the status of multiple analyses can be a challenge. New enhancements to the Analysis Monitor in Femap help you more easily understand the status of simulations you’ve launched from within Femap. In addition, new commands in the Analysis Monitor help you take appropriate action at the click of a button. Interested in learning more about what's new and improved in Simcenter Femap in 2023? CAEXPERTS is available to discuss how these and other functions of Femap and other software can benefit your modeling and simulation activities and better meet your needs. Schedule a meeting with us now by clicking below!
- Electrification: Developing the Batteries of the Future
Electrification of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) is a growing trend in the automotive industry. However, to make electric vehicles commonplace and profitable, vehicle and battery manufacturers face challenges such as cost, range, charging speed, reliability and safety. In this article, we explore how integrated lithium-ion battery design and multidisciplinary simulation are key in this context. We'll cover everything from optimized battery design to battery management system (BMS) development and optimization of the vehicle's thermal and electrical systems. Figure 1. Global stock of electric passenger cars by region between 2010 and 2019. Battery Design for Optimal Performance Improving the design of lithium-ion batteries is vital to meet the demands of Battery Electric Vehicles. This process involves not only vehicle development, but also detailed electrochemical analyses, as well as the precise design of cells, modules and packaging. Furthermore, it is crucial to control unwanted heat propagation and ensure the functional safety of the battery. Figure 2. Commonly used Li-ion cell types in automotive batteries. Using the Digital Twin to Improve Lithium Battery Manufacturing Battery design is intricate and requires constant collaboration between experts from diverse disciplines. The application of the digital twin, combined with physical testing, is essential to meet engineering challenges and ensure an optimized design. Additionally, engineers specializing in multiphysics CAE/CFD simulations investigate strategies to mitigate the unwanted effects of thermal propagation. Figure 3. Simcenter for battery design workflow. Simcenter Battery Design Studio - Designing Improved Battery Cell Packages with Geometric Precision and Performance Simulations Simcenter Battery Design Studio supports engineers in digitally validating the design of lithium-ion cells. The tool provides accurate geometric details of cells and simulations of cell performance. With an extensive database of battery cell materials and components, this tool facilitates the development of advanced models. Figure 4. Ragone plot, showing the power capacity and energy capacity potential of current commercial capacitor and battery cell type technologies. Decisions Optimized Through Digital Validation Applying accurate simulations in Simcenter Battery Design Studio enables digital validation of lithium-ion cell designs. Performance models, such as macrohomogeneous and RCR-equivalent circuit, provide crucial insights into cell behavior. This allows engineers to make informed and optimized decisions throughout the design process. Development of the Battery Management System (BMS) Software and control engineers play a key role when developing the Battery Management System (BMS). This system optimizes the use of remaining energy, balances the load between cells and monitors battery health. Using sensors that measure voltage, current, temperature and other data, the BMS calculates the state of charge, integrity and function of the battery. Intelligent algorithms improve battery performance, lifespan and functional safety. Figure 5. The powertrain architect sizes the battery (capacity, power, voltage) to reach the desired vehicle performance. Harmony in the Vehicle's Thermal and Electrical Systems Integration of the battery into the vehicle's thermal and electrical systems is critical. The battery thermal systems engineer ensures the balance between thermal comfort in the cabin and optimal battery operating conditions, considering different environments. At the same time, the power electronics engineer designs the vehicle's electrical architecture, including inverters, converters and chargers that interact directly with the battery. Figure 6. Studying thermal runaway propagation and safety using 3D simulation. Systemic Integration and Vehicle Coordination The vehicle integrator plays a crucial role in coordinating the development of vehicle and battery subsystems. It ensures that performance requirements are met in all respects. Through model-based system simulations, a complete vehicle concept is refined throughout the development cycle, optimizing both the battery and other components. Figure 8. Vehicle level simulation using reduced order models. Powering the Electric Future with Lithium Batteries Designing a lithium-ion battery for a BEV requires extensive collaboration across multiple engineering disciplines. The simulation emerges as an indispensable tool to improve the performance, safety and integration of the battery in the vehicle system. Solutions provided by Siemens Digital Industries Software's Simcenter Battery Design Studio enable automotive OEMs and suppliers to successfully transition to electrified fleets, driving the electric mobility revolution. Figure 9. The vehicle energy management testing facilities To explore how CAEXPERTS' innovative solutions can revolutionize the electric mobility industry and drive the next generation of batteries, schedule a meeting with us now. Together, we will shape the future of sustainable mobility. Don't waste time and get in touch today!We can become your technology innovation partner!
- Create New Possibilities with Custom Material Models and C++ Subroutines
Create your own material model One of the main challenges in Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) simulations is accurately representing the complex behavior of real-world materials. This accuracy is especially crucial in multiscale simulations, where the accurate response on a global scale depends on the detailed mechanical representation of each microconstituent and its interfaces. To meet the needs of designers working with parts that have complex microstructures or advanced new materials, the Simcenter Multimech 2306 enables users to create their own material models through user-defined subroutines in C or C++. Engineers and researchers have traditionally faced difficulties related to the modeling of advanced materials. Standard material libraries often do not cover the full range of materials used in different industries and products, which often forces engineers to compromise their material models and accept some inaccuracy in the results. Furthermore, not all CAE tools support user-defined materials in multiscale simulations, where some or all microconstituents require custom materials. Support for user-defined custom materials in Simcenter Multimech offers a powerful solution to these challenges. Custom materials can be applied in different types of simulations, whether in global scale part models, microstructural scale virtual tests or True Multiscale simulations. First example: fatigue in adhesive joints Adhesive materials have a different mechanical response when compared to common engineering materials such as metals. Furthermore, its response varies widely depending on factors such as composition, humidity and temperature. Simulating models containing this type of material is an excellent example of the effectiveness of Simcenter Multimech's custom subroutines. A specific case involves the cyclic loading of an adhesive joint with gradually increasing load. A custom constitutive relationship, specially developed to model the adhesive behavior under fatigue, was coded and applied to the adhesive elements. The results demonstrate how the subroutine captures the different fatigue responses in each condition, also identifying the areas most susceptible to fatigue failures. Second example: custom fault model with gradual stiffness reduction The example above shows a single-scale use of the new feature, as no microstructural features were modeled. That is, the complete model is in the scale of the components and the adhesive joint. However, user-defined subroutines can also be applied in multiscale analyses, to model the response of specific microconstituents. A powerful example of this new feature in a multiscale simulation is the creation of a user defined failure criterion. A common application for failure criteria in CAE simulations is to reproduce phenomena such as fracture, cracking or detachment, reducing the stiffness of elements to almost zero if a specific criterion is met. In this case, the path of the reduced stiffness elements represents the fracture path. Although failure models exist in most CAE tools and have been used for decades, convergence is a common challenge: abrupt reduction in stiffness can lead to higher residuals, requiring careful mesh selection, time lag strategy, stabilization etc. , users can develop a failure model in which the stiffness is not immediately reduced, but gradually decreases over several time steps. The figure and animation below demonstrate how the gradual decrease in stiffness occurs: The result of custom failure criteria in a real multiscale simulation is an improvement in the convergence of the nonlinear analysis, leading the simulation to progress much further than using a simplified failure model. Extended results allow users to perform post-failure investigations, showing how the component under investigation behaves after each localized failure mechanism has occurred. Unlimited possibilities with your own material models The examples shared above demonstrate just a fraction of the potential that can be unlocked by customizing material models in Simcenter Multimech. Other application examples include: Temperature dependence and strain rate in metals Custom multiaxial damage and fault models Low-cycle fatigue on microstructural components Mechanical response of unusual materials such as glass, sand, cardboard, wood, etc. Furthermore, as far as multiscale simulations are concerned, material subroutines in Simcenter Multimech can be used at microstructural scale along with global scale models solved in Simcenter 3D in different solvers such as Nastran, Samcef, Abaqus or Ansys. This means that it is now possible to code material subroutines that work with any of these solvers in C++, instead of their native Fortran programming. For users struggling to meet expectations due to material complexity and inaccuracies caused by incorrect material modeling, user-defined models in Simcenter Multimech are a tangible solution. Comprehensive guidance and examples of code, compilation, and usage are provided in the Simcenter Multimech documentation. Opportunity: Increasingly, advanced computer simulations can be used to reduce costs and shorten the timeframes of R&D projects that were previously only based on physical experiments. Simcenter Multimech is an excellent example in this direction. With the use of intensive simulation in the conceptual stages of the development of new materials, we can be more assertive in the construction of performance proof experiments! Simcenter Mechanical 2306 Simcenter Multimech is part of the Simcenter Mechanical group of Simcenter Simulation Software Solutions. This version of Simcenter Multimech was therefore part of the Simcenter Mechanical 2306 version, to learn more about Simcenter Click Here! Discover the power of customization in CAE simulations with CAEXPERTS! Book your exclusive meeting now and explore how to create your own advanced material templates. Click the button below to book your time slot right now!











