MODELLING AND SIMULATION g
vendors continues to increase. Sampson said: ‘Reducing model build times is critical. Models are continuing to increase in size and complexity which requires new tools within the pre-processor whether it’s HyperMesh, SimLab or Inspire. Streamlining model build processes by improving the product user interface and embedding engineering process within the tools is now standard.’
Future challenges However, the real challenge for the continued advancement of the FEM does not lie with the technology, as Prior explained: ‘With 40 years’ experience in developing FEA technologies the most significant challenges are not in the internal technical work.’ Prior said: ‘In fact, the major challenge might be termed ‘institutional inertia’. Many companies are hardwired with the thought that product design requires extensive physical prototyping. They test until the prototype breaks, then redesign, make another prototype and retest. That’s a hugely inefficient and time-consuming process, with no guarantee that the final design will be the optimal one.’ ‘Certainly some prototype testing
is essential, particularly in validating the simulation methods. However, the virtual testing provided by simulation can significantly reduce the number of prototype test cycles and thereby shorten the time to achieve an optimal final design. ‘We need to promote the value that simulation brings as an intrinsic part of the product design process, to help companies realise the commercial benefits that it brings,’ he added. In other words, these benefits need
to be demonstrated to a wider range of industries to further the reach and advancement of FEM techniques. Sampson explained: ‘[A key challenge is] to ensure Altair’s products remain as an open architecture platform applicable for all industries and domains. However, sometimes a specialised product offering to target a specific audience is required and as such the integration and cross platform communication with other existing products is necessary.’ Sampson added: ‘Furthermore, since our customers are experiencing a more- than-ever compressed time-to-market for their products, we need to quickly respond to market trends. The trend may not necessarily be in the context of FEA but in the context of engineering and making sure we deliver the appropriate quality solution to address the market.’ Krishna added: ‘The time to solve a problem increases with the increase in
26 Scientific Computing World June/July 2018
An example of a simulation app in the COMSOL Server app library. App users can find an optimal heat sink design without having any knowledge of the underlying mathematical model
“Modelling systems that involve multiple physics are still a challenge. Besides the fundamental difference in physics, modelling practices differ significantly from one domain to another”
the number of details to be modelled. For example, a bolt can be simplified as a 1D or 3D representation. ‘The 3D representation can further
have multiple forms. The thin solid can be modelled as a sheet. The modelling detail can include multiple physics that govern the problem or study only using the dominant physics.’ ‘But the product developed should be designed for its users [and] the FE products have gone through a facelift to improve usability and handle large complex models. The younger generation is more comfortable with internet and hand- held devices, which is changing the way software, training and documentation are delivered,’ Krishna added. This ‘FEM for all’ ethos has
revolutionised the way simulation solutions are presented. Prior explained: ‘Customers want simulation to be available to inform decision-making everywhere in their companies, not just in the engineering department. That means that the results of the simulations need to be available to a wider audience and in a range of formats
that can be interpreted by both specialists and non-technical people.’ ‘In order to improve scalability, many
customers want to ‘record’ the methods built by expert users and make these methods available for non-specialists to use as part of the product design and development process. This kind of process automation or analysis templating approach is becoming an important requirement,’ Prior added. Automation and the integration of machine learning technologies is one way to simplify the modelling process, as Sjodin explained: ‘I think FEA will find new ways of making it easier to access the technology. Apps are one way, perhaps there are more ways the industry hasn’t thought of yet. Artificial intelligence is on the rise and there may be opportunities to further enable access to simulation through this technology.’ Krishna concluded: ‘The complexities of modelling systems that involve multiple physics is still a challenge. Besides the fundamental difference in physics, there are modelling practices differ significantly from one domain to another. Bringing them all into one software can be difficult if not impossible. ‘Multiple FE products will be used to
solve different problems but these will be coordinated/integrated by a simplified user interface that couples the different products. Many verticals will be in use to address specific needs. They will be interactive and will respond in real time. Improvements in computers and machine learning will simplify the modelling process.
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