CAE Blog

New features in Laminate Tools version 4.2

admin — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 02:21:36 +0000

New features in Laminate Tools version 4.2 (first release, since launch of version 4.1)
Geometry
greatly improved geometry translation, with additional control parameters and faster sewing
when loading named surfaces, element sets are also created for the component surfaces of merged surfaces, for easy picking
Design
implemented material/ply/layup export to spreadsheet, to be used for re-importing onto a morphed or translated mesh
added option to import material/ply/layup from spreadsheet onto a translated mesh
implemented ply mirroring and cloning
implemented element set mirroring and cloning
enabled auto merge of material properties on layup file import (by name, if existing type is undefined)
implemented draped pattern outputs (incl. exact) for projected type plies (ply boundary)
added option to import layup file for one element set only
added option to define ply or offset vectors by picking nodes
changed usage and naming convention for imported PlyMaster materials, to reduce number of materials added
modified COM command “layup define/append” to generate global ids
added COM automation function SetSplitEdgeIds
added COM automation function SetMaterialStiffness
Post-processing
added support for Abaqus files (INP, ODB stress)
added option to export generated failure calculations to Hyperworks H3D file format
updated Nastran OP2 support for new element type storage
added support for Ansys RST files for version 13 or later
implemented subcase deletion, fixed multiple loadcase deletion in a single operation
updated LAP export format for transverse loads and offsets
Manufacturing
implemented SigmaNEST spreadsheet output in Ply Book export
implemented data export for automated Robotic ply placement
added cut-out boundaries to Assembly Guidance laser export data
enabled the specification of text height in flat DXF pattern files
User Interface
added support for software based licence keys
improved Windows 7 compatibility, including 3D mouse usage
added COM automation function GetDrapeVectors
revised and improved default GUI graphics colours
plus numerous fixes and performance improvements.
PlyMatch
implemented automatic recalibration for mirrored parts
implemented optional display of tool probe together with model
added ability to pan when zoomed in
allowed the application of a new probe configuration without soft restart
implemented interface to inspect ply placement, calculate and export deviations
added hardware support for Windows 7
implemented fixed calibration method with 6 points
improved fixed camera calibration method with 4 points, allowed individual selection of any successful solution
added ability to save calibration for multiple fixed cameras

CFD-ACE+ V2011.0 Physics Compatibility Matrix

admin — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 01:53:32 +0000

CFD-ACE+ V2011.0 Physics Compatibility Matrix
Have you ever wondered what would happen if you turned on all of the
physics and features of the CFD-ACE+ solver? Or if it is even possible?
More likely, you have run into a new modeling task that requires you to
use modules and features together that you have never used in those
combinations before, and would thus like to know if they are compatible
with each other.
The CFD-ACE+ V2011.0 Physics Compatibility Matrix can help answer these
questions. It is meant to be a guide to help you determine the
interaction between the many modules and features of the CFD-ACE+
Multiphysics solver. Ideally, all modules and features would work and
interact with all other modules and features. In reality, there are some
instances where certain modules or features may not be compatible or
where they may work together but not with the expected interaction.
Image
Click here to download a PDF version of the physics compatibility matrix

Or visit the Knowledge Base section of the ESI CFD Customer Portal
/[login required]/
The compatibility matrix lists each major module and major feature
against every other major module and major feature. The interaction of
any two modules or features is then characterized by one of five
possible answers:
The features can be used together; they also interact with
one-another
For these interactions, it is fully supported to use these two features
in the same simulation, and moreover there is a coupling between these
two features. For example flow and heat transfer can be run together and
as the flow field develops it will change the heat solution, and
vice-versa.
The features can be used together; they do not and probably should
not interact
For these interactions, it is fully supported to use these two features
in the same simulation; however, there is no coupling between these two
features. For example chemistry simulations can include solid regions
for which stress is being solved, but the chemistry solution does not
depend on the stress solution and vice-versa.
The features can be used together; they do not interact and this
is a limitation
For these interactions, it is partially supported to use these two
features in the same simulation, however, you should be aware that there
is limited coupling between these two features and proceed with caution.
For example, radiation can be used in a simulation along with spray, but
there is no interaction between the two features. In reality there may
be radiative heating of spray particles, but the solver currently does
not support this interaction. You should check the manuals or consult
with ESI CFD customer support before proceeding with this case.
The features cannot be used together; this is a limitation
For these interactions, it is not supported to use these two features in
the same simulation, or at least in direct connection with each other.
In many cases the solver will stop with an error if these two features
are present. An example is an attempt to run VOF with the filament
model; this is currently not supported. In some cases, as long as the
two features are not present in the same volume condition it may be OK
to run. An example is an attempt to use arbitrary interfaces and the
stress module. This is possible as long as the arbitrary interface does
not touch the region where stress is being solved.
The features probably should never need to be used together
This pertains to interactions that should never physically happen. For
example we don’t foresee the need to ever run cavitation and plasma in
the same simulation.
When starting a new simulation effort you should consult this matrix. We
suggest you make a copy and highlight all rows and columns of the
features that you intend to use. You should then look carefully at the
intersections of those highlighted cells to determine if the desired
features will work together in the way that you expect. The
compatibility matrix is not meant to replace the user documentation;
instead it is a high-level overview of the interaction of these
features. You should always consult the CFD-ACE+ User Manual and Modules
Manuals to read and understand the full capabilities.

Flow Science and Sigma Technology Begin Collaboration

admin — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 01:37:37 +0000

Flow Science has entered into a collaboration with Sigma Technology (Moscow, Russia), developer of the high-efficiency, multi-dimensional nonlinear optimization software known as IOSO.
Sigma recently released IOSO 2.04, which has direct integration to FLOW-3D.
Using IOSO in conjunction with FLOW-3D, engineers can improve the performance of complex large-scale systems and technological processes based on what-if scenarios for arriving at optimal parameters. Under the cooperation agreement, through Flow Science, Sigma will offer FLOW-3D customers in North America a free 90-day trial license for IOSO PM, which allows for parallel optimization on multiple nodes.

IOSO is intended to help engineers reduce the time and cost for solving complex practical tasks, by allowing them to find the most efficient technical solutions based on multiple goals or criteria assigned by the user (multi-objective formulation). It aims to help minimize the number of calculations or the amount of experimental work required, while still achieving optimal parameters for the real-life systems.

Interested customers should contact either Flow Science or Sigma’s North American representative, Concepts NREC (White River Junction, VT).

Training and support will be provided by Concepts NREC (Dr. Edward P. Childs, Ph.D., Associate Director of Support and Documentation) and Sigma.

Sigma was founded in 2001, and has been actively promoting and marketing IOSO throughout the world. Key customers include Gazprom, MAN, Pratt & Whitney, Sukhoi and many more. It can be found on the internet at: www.iosotech.com.

Using IOSO in conjunction with FLOW-3D, engineers can improve the performance of complex large-scale systems and technological processes based on what-if scenarios for arriving at optimal parameters. Under the cooperation agreement, through Flow Science, Sigma will offer FLOW-3D customers in North America a free 90-day trial license for IOSO PM, which allows for parallel optimization on multiple nodes.

Interested customers should contact either Flow Science or Sigma’s North American representative, Concepts NREC (White River Junction, VT).

Training and support will be provided by Concepts NREC (Dr. Edward P. Childs, Ph.D., Associate Director of Support and Documentation) and Sigma.

RTM仿真软件RTM-WORX技术白皮书

admin — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:01:00 +0000

软件功能和技术资料

RTM-WORX是一款先进的树脂模注工艺仿真软件，广泛用来模拟RTM、VIP等复合材料工艺过程中树脂的流动情况，也可以用来模拟压力驱动下多孔介质中的一般流动过程。
该文档介绍了RTM-WORX软件的基本功能和技术信息，如想获得此软件的更详细信息，请参考软件的中文地址：http://www.caeda.com.cn 。

简介

RTM-WORX能高效、方便地利用有限元法（FEM）和控制体积法（CVM）求解多孔介质中树脂流动过程的物理方程，软件的设计出发点就是为那些不够精通有限元代码，但了解RTM或真空灌注工艺（VIP）的行业专家提供零件或工艺的优化工具。

RTM-WORX的软件设计非常强调高效性、可靠性和稳定性。软件的数值计算精度非常高，即使在最坏的情况下（如压力成对数下降的点注射），也只需150左右的单元就能将误差降到1%以下。RTM-WORX软件受单元形状和尺寸的影响很小，软件对所有必需的数据都提供了合理的缺省值，即使输入值出现偏差，模拟过程仍能成功地运行。由于FEM或CVM采用相同的离散度，保证了任何情况下计算过程的收敛和压力计算的准确，以及树脂流动前峰的确定性。同样的方法也适用于非等温反应模块，由于用户可以完全控制计算的速度和精度，其稳定性额是不言而喻的。

RTM-WORX计算速度非常快。在目前主流的硬件配置下，对于一个2000到4000个单元的模型，计算时间还不足1分钟。对非等温反应模型，当采用全3D速度时也只需约两倍长时间，而且能快速给出温度和固化等信息。
——节选可以索取

FRIENDSHIP SYSTEMS just released version 2.3

admin — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 02:14:16 +0000

FRIENDSHIP SYSTEMS just released version 2.3 of the CAE-software FRIENDSHIP-Framework. The large set of new functionality was strongly driven by the excellent input of our users and our ongoing research projects.

Trimeshes and solids

Volute design

Trimeshes and Solids

Irregular trimeshes now approximate surfaces within a user defined tolerance. They are then utilized to create solids, i.e., entities of closed volume. Subsequently, Boolean Operations such as unit or subtract can be applied to build watertight STL exports to CFD codes.

Custom Result Tables

Design result tables which compile the data for the many variants created can now be extended and modified according to the needs of the design process. For instance, data from different optimization runs can be merged and flexibly extended.

Documentation

A new HTML-based documentation browser is now part of the FRIENDSHIP-Framework. It enables convenient access to software information. Furthermore, users can now nicely write and append their own object documentation via a quick-docu-editor including advanced formatting options.

Usability

This time, usability has been further improved, for instance by enabling Drag & Drop of objects into attribute editors. The object editor was redesigned following a common Look & Feel of the software. In the object tree, invalid objects are now automatically detected and visualized for better problem tracking.

ACE+ Suite V2011.0 BETA is Ready!

admin — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:13:04 +0000

ESI is proud to announce the BETA Release of the V2011.0 ACE+ Suite of
CFD and Multiphysics software. The final version or the Official Release
is scheduled for the first half of November 2011. This release comes
just over a year after our last major release, and includes many new
features that our customers have requested. We welcome and encourage all
of our customers to download and use the latest version of our software.
Included in the V2011.0 release are significant updates to:
* *CFD-ACE+* – Advanced CFD and Multiphysics Solver
* *CFD-FASTRAN* – CFD Physics Solver for high-speed flows
* *CFD-GEOM* – Geometry Modeler and Mesh Generator
* *CFD-VisCART* – Cartesian Mesh Generator
* *CFD-VIEW* – Solution Analysis and Visualization Tool
Enhancements have been made to increase usability, robustness and
accuracy, and we are sure that this new version will make for a
worthwhile upgrade to your CFD/Multiphysics toolset. In addition,
V2011.0 marks the beginning of ACE+ Suite support on Red Hat Enterprise
Linux 6 platform.
The remainder of this note gives you some information about the V2011.0
software release. Please read on to learn more about the updates, and
let us know if you have any comments or questions.
*IMPORTANT NOTE:* If you are running V2010.x or earlier software
versions, then you may require a new license to run V2011.x versions!
ESI licensing policy requires licensing to the version of the software.
This means that if you currently have a V2010.x (or earlier) license,
you will need to replace it with a V2011.x license. These are available
upon request from your ESI license or sales representative. If you are
not sure who that is, you should contact support.cfd@esi-group.com
.
Please include your existing license file for the quickest service. Note
that if you already have a V2011.x license, no action is required.
V2011.0 Release Highlights
As with previous releases, there are many improvements to features,
performance, and robustness. Below is a short bullet list of some of the
top reasons why you should consider upgrading to V2011.0. For a more
detailed description of the new and improved features, please consult
the *Release Notes* document, which can be found in the Knowledge Base
section of the ESI
CFD Portal (login required).
CFD-ACE+ V2011.0
* Enhanced CAFVM Discrete Ordinate Method for Radiation
* Improved Plasma Implementation with Wave Effects
* Improved Linear Solver and Preconditioner Choices
* Improved Domain Decomposition Efficiency
* Generalized Gradient and Divergence Calculation Options
(Green-Gauss, Least-Squares)
* New VOF Boussinesq Approximation
* New Full Anisotropic Material Support
* New Plasma User Subroutine Options
* Several application-oriented additions
o Additional CCP Output (Plasma)
o New Gas Species Mole Fraction Output
o New Gas Phase Reaction Mechanism for Ar/NF3 Mixtures
CFD-FASTRAN V2011.0
* New Compressibility Corrections for Turbulence Models
CFD-GEOM V2011.0
* Newly Supported Surface Topologies (including non-manifold topologies)
* New Advanced Trimming Tool
* New Boundary Layer Meshing Option
* Improved Boundary Layer Robustness
* New Discrete Surface Meshing Options
* New Discrete Surface Creation from Outlines
* Extension of Honeycomb Meshing to 2D Geometries
* Improved CAD Import Performance and Options
* Improved Advancing Front Triangle Meshing
* Improved IGES Reader
* Improved Performance of Several Existing Tools
* New “Tip of the Day” Dialog
CFD-VisCART V2011.0
* Enhanced Boundary Layer Generation Capability
o Boundary Layer Support in Parallel Mode
o Boundary Layer Generation on Thin-Walls
o New Local Thickness Boundary Layer Growing Method
* New Cancel Mesh Generation Feature
* New Preservation Option for Coplanar and Intersecting Patches
* New Cylindrical Bounding Box
* New Suppress Option for Surfaces, Domains, Sources and Gaps
* New Mesh Extrusion Feature
* Extended and Enhanced Refine Cells Near High Curvature Option
* New Domain Marker Positioning Option
* Reduced VGD File Size
CFD-VIEW V2011.0
* Extended Cell-Center Data Visualization
o Support for Calculator, Simple Lines, MinMax Probe and Carpet Plot
* New Option to Snap Probes to Closest Grid Node
* New Logarithmic Colormap
* Improved Truetype Font Support for Headless CFD-VIEW
* Improved Legend

The new release SHIPFLOW version 4.5 is now available

admin — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 01:49:37 +0000

New features in SHIPFLOW 4.5 improve efficiency and quality of the pre- and post-processing as well as increase speed capabilities of the solver. The main new features include:

STL geometry handling to replace offset file generation for standard hull forms. Just create your hull using SHIPFLOW Design or import an IGES file, select surfaces and run computations!

Automatic reporting which creates a ready to print document containing a summary of the results and the most common pictures including wave pattern, wave cuts, pressure distributions, wake field, wake distribution and axial velocity contours

MPI parallelization for computer clusters for RANS computations which enables advanced users to distribute the processes among several computer nodes.

IOSO Optimization Video Shots

admin — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 01:08:20 +0000

Optimization of 3D serpentine cooling passage in turbine blade. 42 design variables in total.

Optimization of a large number of coolant passages located close to surface of a turbine blade. 90 design variables in total.

Multi-objective 3D Fan Stresses Optimization.

Transonic Wing Design Optimization.

To be continued…

beta of IOSO-WB direct integration

admin — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 08:39:09 +0000

we have realized direct integration plug-in to Ansys WB 12.1 and higher.

The beta version of IOSO including this plug-in you can download and offer to who may have interest: http://www.iosotech.com/download/Ioso_2_1_61/InstallIOSO_v2161.exe

SHIPFLOW Training and Users Meeting in Shanghai

admin — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 06:08:37 +0000

We invite you to participate in our trainings and users meeting which will be held in Shanghai from May 9 to May 13, 2011.

The venue and details are still to be decided.

The week will be dived into three parts:

– Basic training: 9-11 May
– Users meeting with dinner: 12 May
– Advanced training on self propulsion: 13 May

SHIPFLOW 4.3 is now available.
The most important new features are:
Remote computations
A SHIPFLOW computation can now be initiated on a client that can be either a Windows or a Linux platform. The computation is then executed on a host that must be a Linux server.

Open interface for external propeller code
The EXTPROPELLER command offers an open interface to external propeller programs. The command allows for setting up the environment to run the external programs and manage the files required by the programs. Computations are carried out in a subdirectory id_DIR.

Automatic POW simulation
It is now possible to run an open water simulation directly from a single command file. The keyword POW in the HULL command will automatically create computations for a sequence of advance ratios.

Revised twin skeg option
The twin skeg capability has been revised with respect to grid generation and offset file requirements. The grid orthogonality as well as detection of cell face boundary conditions is improved. The inner group in the offset file should now be ordered in the same way as the outer and normal groups. A new example for a twin skeg hull is available in the examples directory. examples directory is twinskeg. The twin skeg option can only be used with the zonal approach in this release.

CGNS file used for restart
XCHAP use the CGNS file for restart. The CGNS file is updated every tenth iteration. Intermediate results can be visualised.