Are challenges generated from simulation advanced, complex and too difficult to overcome? Many would argue ‘Definitely yes’. Let’s learn how we can leverage the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to overcome the top three challenges in simulation.
Computational time in simulations heavily relies on CPU or GPU performance. However, acquiring and maintaining powerful machines can be expensive for organisations. As a result, many struggle to meet their return on investment targets. Some acquire less powerful machines while others opt to abandon simulations altogether, missing out on valuable opportunities.
Fortunately, there is a game-changing solution: Simulation Solutions on the Cloud, powered by the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. With this transformative technology, organisations can overcome the challenges associated with computational power. By simply sending simulation jobs to the nearest secured cloud server (Figure 1), the worry of procuring and maintaining high-performance computers is eliminated.
Figure 1 – Configuring cloud simulations in 3DEXPERIENCE – Simulations can be run on a high performance computer or a cluster with up to 192 computing cores
Simulation Solutions on the Cloud offer unparalleled benefits. They provide accessibility to computational power without the need for costly hardware investments. With 3DEXPERIENCE Cloud based simulations, organisations can achieve seamless scalability, boost productivity, and make informed decisions. Added benefits include improvements in quality and faster time to market.
Simulation tools excel at computing simple to complex geometries, yet many organisations favor dedicated CAD tools for modeling purposes. This is because of the lack of user-friendly interfaces and necessary CAD functionalities in simulation tools. CAD files often need to be exported from one tool and imported into another to complete simulation workflows, risking data corruption and hampering efficiency (Figure 2a).
Figure 2a – Import errors (Image courtesy of Eng-Tips)
With 3DEXPERIENCE, the game-changing solution: MODSIM (Unified Modeling and Simulation) seamlessly integrates design (CATIA) and simulation (SIMULIA) tools within a single platform. This enables smooth data exchange, version control, and traceability—all within one platform. This unified approach prevents data loss and significantly enhances organisational efficiency and productivity.
With 3DEXPERIENCE, organisations can bid farewell to the frustrations of exporting and importing CAD files between standalone tools. Instead, they can unlock a streamlined workflow (Figure 2b), maximising productivity and reaping the benefits of unified modeling and simulation.
Figure 2b – Common data model – Seamless translation within 3DEXPERIENCE from CATIA Design to SIMULIA Simulation
Thanks to the combined power of MODSIM and Simulation Solutions on the Cloud, all within the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, the future has arrived. Design exploration, optimisation, and validation can now be accelerated, while return on investments can be achieved more efficiently.
Simulation relies on experiments for verification and validation, serving as a crucial foundation for reliability and quality. However, conducting physical experiments can be time-consuming, costly (Figure 3a) or even non-practical especially when conducting so many what-if scenarios. This is where simulations come into play, but their reliability lacks validation due to the absence of physical experiments.
Figure 3a – Relationship between cost and number of physical experiments or simulations (Salganik 2018)
The Building Block Approach emerges to tackle this long-standing challenge. It is a structured process traditionally used to build products from coupons to full-scale components. By incorporating simulations at various levels, except full structure, the approach ensures accurate prediction of properties and performance. Models for material properties, element types, loads, and boundary conditions are calibrated and validated, enhancing the simulation’s reliability for full structure.
However, the integration of simulations within the Building Block Approach has been hindered by disconnected and manual processes. Thankfully, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform provides a solution (Figure 3b). With seamless connections between product requirements, test plans, test executions, test results, automated material model calibration and design optimisation, the efficiency is greatly improved.
Figure 3b – The 3DEXPERIENCE Building Block Approach in action (Image courtesy of Dassault Systèmes)
The Building Block Approach, combined with the capabilities of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, revolutionises the efficiency and reliability of simulations. Say goodbye to the limitations of disconnected processes and embrace an integrated solution that ensures timely, reliable, and safe product delivery while elevating the organisation’s reputation.
In this blog, we have explored how 3DEXPERIENCE can effectively tackle the top three simulation challenges, empower organisations to enhance product quality, while also significantly improving efficiency, productivity, and reputation. However, it is important to note that 3DEXEPRIENCE offers much more than just simulation. It is a comprehensive digital and collaborative platform that enables users at all levels within an organisation to collaborate seamlessly throughout every stage of the product lifecycle, from ideation to disposal. By harnessing the power of 3DEXEPRIENCE, businesses can unlock endless possibilities for innovation and success.
To learn more about the capabilities and potential of 3DEXPERIENCE, contact us today! Let our experts help you explore the transformative impact it can have on your organisation.
Bright is a PhD graduate (Aerospace Engineering) from RMIT University. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) (Honours) and Bachelor of Business (Management).
During his PhD, Bright developed a great understanding and unique research skills in composite materials and Lithium-ion batteries. He presented his work at renowned international conferences and was the main author of several scientific articles in leading academic journals. Bright has experience with mechanical and thermal simulations of composite structures using Abaqus. He also has experience in CAD software including Catia V5 and programming languages such as Python and Matlab.
SIMULIA, a Dassault Systèmes brand, offers realistic simulation solutions which support accelerating the process of evaluating the performance, reliability and safety of materials and products before committing to physical prototypes.
