Kinematic finite elements for reducing processing times of mechanical event simulations involving complex models

Citation

(1999), "Kinematic finite elements for reducing processing times of mechanical event simulations involving complex models", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771dab.010

Kinematic finite elements for reducing processing times of mechanical event simulations involving complex models

Kinematic finite elements for reducing processing times of mechanical event simulations involving complex models

Keywords: Algor, Software, Finite element analysis

Algor, Inc., maker of software for mechanical engineers, today announced a major advancement to its Mechanical Event Simulation software: faster finite element analysis (FEA) processing of highly detailed models using new 2D and 3D kinematic finite elements. Kinematic elements are rigid elements that move like regular, flexible finite elements. Elimination of stress processing for the kinematic elements, however, dramatically reduces processing time. Using kinematic elements, for the first time engineers can simulate an event using a complete CAD solid model or assembly on a desktop computer in an efficient amount of time. The new element type is available with Release 12, Algor's latest version of its FEA software.

Michael L. Bussler, president of Pittsburgh-based Algor said:

Kinematic elements make it possible and practical to perform Mechanical Event Simulations with highly detailed models that look more like real CAD parts. Being able to analyze complete models that perform as actual virtual prototypes will lead to better designs.

Mechanical Event Simulations with Accupak V/E, Algor's FEA software that simulates motion and flexing in mechanical devices during a hypothetical event and shows stresses in the model at each instant in time, are no longer limited by a computer's analysis processing time, especially on models with complex geometry. Engineers can now use kinematic elements in relatively rigid areas of a model while using regular finite elements in areas of engineering concern to obtain stresses only where needed. This capability drastically reduces processing time.

Kinematic elements can be constrained or loaded with force, traction, pressure and gravity. They possess mass and can transmit forces; therefore, they can produce motion and stress in regular finite elements. Kinematic elements also contain full contact capabilities. They can interact with impact walls and distinct objects made of other element types. Impact between objects is still achieved using Algor's contact elements, which simulate dynamic interaction between objects.

Engineers can now define one component at a time with regular elements and define the remaining components with kinematic elements, saving time by focusing on the part being optimized. They will also save time that was previously spent simplifying a model to obtain quicker processing speed. Engineers can also perform a quick test analysis run using only kinematic elements to determine if the event is modeled and set up correctly. If the model moves as expected, regular, flexible elements can be used to determine stresses.

Algor reports that it has compared the speed of kinematic elements to regular elements and preliminary test results are impressive. A 37,659-element model created from a CAD assembly completed one timestep in 24 hours using regular elements. The same model that used a combination of 7,622 regular and 30,037 kinematic elements completed one timestep in only 8.9 minutes - 161 times faster (processing times depend on many factors that vary with each model and event) - on the same Pentium II 266 MHz computer.

Kinematic elements are available as an add-on to Algor's Release 12 version of Accupak/VE Mechanical Event Simulation software, which is available for PC workstations running Windows NT, 95 and 98. Release 12, Algor's most comprehensive software release since 1990, includes many other new and improved features that were developed as part of the company's ongoing effort to make engineering easier.

Algor's latest software invention, Accupak/VE, realistically simulates motion in mechanical events, eliminating the need to input a force, and computes and shows resulting stresses on the computer model at each instant in time. Accupak/VE replaces physical prototype testing with virtual prototype testing because it performs linear and nonlinear static and dynamic finite element stress analysis with motion for physics-based Mechanical Event Simulation. Algor offers a range of other FEA capabilities including linear and nonlinear stress, vibration and natural frequencies, heat transfer, electrostatics, fluid flow, piping design and composite materials. In addition, Algor works with virtually any CAD system and offers advanced FEA meshing tools.

Algor, Inc. also recently announced that its redesigned DocuTech, the company's software documentation system on CD-ROM, is available with Release 12, Algor's latest version of its finite element analysis (FEA) software. DocuTech has been reformatted and includes new features for improved functionality and ease-of-use.

Michael L. Bussler, president of Pittsburgh-based Algor said:

The latest DocuTech software includes a new single interface window, reorganized technical documentation and enhanced capabilities that enable engineers to search through Algor's software and reference documentation more quickly and easily.

DocuTech contains Algor's up-to-date software operating and reference documentation, customer application stories, keystroke-specific tutorials and other educational materials. Engineers can conveniently refer to DocuTech's comprehensive software documentation resources with one mouse click while they work with Algor software. These resources complement the context-sensitive help available in Superdraw III, Release 12's single user interface for all FEA operations.

DocuTech uses hypertext mark-up language (HTML) technology to maintain a network of links between related documents in order to make navigating as easy as surfing the Interact. DocuTech's Internet browser-based format has been redesigned with a single interface window that is consistent with advanced Windows applications to provide greater ease-of-use.

When engineers open the new single interface window, they will see a streamlined table of contents, which includes technical documentation manuals that have been reorganized to include information about related topics. The simplified manuals have been updated to reflect the new functionality and capabilities of Algor's Release 12 software version.

From this interface window, engineers are also offered a link to Getting Started with Algor, a helpful manual for new users that contains an installation guide as well as useful information about many FEA operations. They can immediately access an updated glossary of FEA terms or Algor's latest keystroke tutorials, which provide detailed, easy-to-understand instruction on the most frequently used finite element modeling, engineering analysis and Mechanical Event Simulation capabilities.

In addition to DocuTech's improved format, the program has many new features that make it easier to use. Its powerful search engine enables engineers to selectively search documentation by chosen categories. For example, they can choose to search every category except Algor Design World newsletter articles or only information in Algor Design World newsletter articles. Engineers can search for exact word phrases in addition to performing a keyword search. Once the desired document has been identified, DocuTech enables the engineer to print the complete document with a single print command rather than needing to open and print all related HTML files separately.

The Release 12 version of DocuTech is available for PC workstations running Windows NT, 95 and 98 and can be installed on a computer or run from the CD-ROM to save hard drive space. DocuTech is included with every Algor software product package, which also includes a variety of multimedia, printed and online tools designed to quickly get engineers started with Algor software.

Algor has been a leader in the engineering software industry since it introduced FEA for PCs in 1984 and interfacing with CAD systems in 1985. The company recently celebrated 20 years of providing finite element users with innovative, affordable and easy-to-use software products and superior educational support and customer service. Algor's FEA software has enabled 16,000 engineers in 60 countries to create safe, efficient, cost-effective designs.

Algor's latest invention, Accupak/VE, realistically simulates motion in mechanical events, eliminating the need to input a force, and computes and shows resulting stresses on the computer model at each instant in time. Accupak/VE replaces physical prototype testing with virtual prototype testing because it performs linear and nonlinear static and dynamic finite element stress analysis with motion for physics-based Mechanical Event Simulation. Algor offers a range of other FEA capabilities including linear and nonlinear stress, vibration and natural frequencies, heat transfer, electrostatics, fluid flow, piping design and composite materials. In addition, Algor works with virtually any CAD system and offers advanced FEA meshing tools.

Details from Algor, Inc. Tel: +1 (412) 967 2700.