applications
robustness of individual design solutions at the same time. Providing users with a holistic view on the design space, it enables them make informed decisions during the entire process and get it right first time.
Consolidate engineering data into corporate knowledge Engineering teams can be overwhelmed by the massive amounts of data generated through simulation and physical testing. As a result, they spend a lot of time and effort on retaining the information that matters most – and, because of time constraints, even leave a large amount of data untouched. Manufacturers are therefore eager for solutions with intuitive data- mining capabilities to exploit the potential that is hidden in their existing engineering data sets, so as to acquire even more engineering insights. Highly interactive displays of data and results
would make it easy for them to interpret all the available information, to evaluate results through different stages of the development process, and to learn the lessons on which to base critical engineering decisions, according to Noesis Solutions.
Do it fast and smart – the next challenge is always already there Manufacturers are constantly looking for further time gains to help them improve the efficiency of any engineering project. Speed being an obvious must, Optimus’ simulation process automation eliminates non-value adding time, and makes better use of simulation soſtware resource to maximise ROI on both hardware and soſtware investments. Faster optimisation algorithms are important
as well, although Noesis Solutions sees increasing potential in using machine learning
concepts. Tis enables the optimisation process to learn from the results it is generating, and to make smarter use of the simulation resources available. Whatever the future holds and the customers
may demand, Noesis Solutions is confident it will continue to listen and evolve in engineering simulation. El Masri said: ‘Regular interaction enables our team of experienced application engineers to understand customer needs, to respond to their questions and discuss feature requests. ‘With some of our larger customers, we
even have regular meetings, during which we share information about our strategy and new product functionalities, while they discuss their priorities with respect to Optimus.’ He added: ‘Tis information is important for
us to better direct request selection, product specification, development and quality control of new Optimus revisions.’ l
Simulating the rules of science Tere are many requirements and challenges when designing soſtware to simulate physics- based systems. Littmarck said: ‘Physics represents the complex world we live in. Making sure that the mathematical model – the laws of science – includes everything that is significant to the actual case, but not more than necessary, is difficult. Once the mathematical model is present we need to convert it to something that we can compute, to difference equations.’ Littmarck added: ‘Once we have the difference
A single unified environment integrates tools for building models and designing applications, allowing users to choose which components of a full simulation to include in an app intended for sharing with colleagues and customers. This demo app lets the user modify the geometry of a corrugated circular horn antenna in order to optimise its radiation characteristics and aperture cross-polarization ratio at the frequency of interest
multiple simulation and process departments, and to allow app users easily to explore the outcomes of proposed designs. One such example is the work done by
researchers at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry to communicate their work into an additive manufacturing technique known as shaped metal deposition (SMD). SMD deposits a series of sheets of molten metal, layer by layer, to slowly build up a surface in a process similar to welding. Termal expansion can deform the cladding as it cools, so such deformations must be kept to a minimum.
www.scientific-computing.com l MTC built an app using the application builder
to allow users to experiment with the deposition process. Geometries, heat sources, materials, and
deposition paths can all be altered using the app to test whether a viable end product is produced. Te app allows an end user, who is oblivious to the underlying model complexities, to test the system for specific customer needs and projects. Tere is no need to call on modelling experts to run simulations, freeing up their time while allowing end users to interact and thoroughly test the system to their heart’s content.
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equations, we need to solve them on a computer with finite precision, using reasonable amounts of computer memory in a reasonable computation time. We need to be able to control the accuracy of the solution. All these steps require highly trained and experienced individuals in their respective fields.’ Comsol recognises that its soſtware will be
used by the world’s most advanced organisations and individuals to produce devices and processes, which poses another challenge for the company. ‘Last, but not least, we need to help all these experts work in concert to produce useful, reliable, products and services. Because R&D and production costs are high and failure can be catastrophic, product requirements, as well as expectations, are extremely high,’ Littmarck added. Te application builder matches these
expectations by opening up the doors of multiphysics simulation to the wider technical community, allowing more users to interact with, understand, and test the simulations that were previously the sole domain of a handful of simulation experts. l
DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 35
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