2011 SRM Summer2011 11web
2011 SRM Summer2011 11web
2011 SRM Summer2011 11web
simulating
Volume I | Summer 2011
BETTER WAY
INTRODUCING A CFD SOLUTION FOR MSC USERS
THERE IS A
ACTRAN
Acoustic simulation software
Your solution for: Acoustic radiation and duct acoustics Coupled acoustics and structural vibration analysis Trimmed body modeling Broadband aero-acoustics Turbo machinery noise Acoustic propagation in complex ows
www.fft.be / [email protected]
Flowmaster V7
Advanced Thermo-fluid System Simulation Software
Transient solver In-built empirical data Integrated batch processing of simulations Complete traceability of data history Automatic component sizing
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Empowering Engineers
LETTER FROM THE CEO
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21 30
11
14
30
16
ADA Certifies Aircraft with a New Store Using Measured Modal Parameters
Aeronautical Development Agency
Certified to Fly
32
Optimizing Composite and Metallic Structures with HyperSizer and MSC Nastran
HyperSizer
18
20
Simulating Reality Interview: The Students Perspective Pathfinder for Future Missions
Cornell University
34
TECH TIPS
36
21
Optimization Techniques
Mid-Size Businesses Get Access to Modeling & Simulation Tools and Support
University of Southern California
21
22
TECHNOLOGY MATTERS
REALITY
Leslie Rickey, Editor [email protected] Luis Reyna, Assistant Editor [email protected]
simulating
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Patrick Garrett, Assistant Editor [email protected] Marina Carpenter, Graphic Designer [email protected]
Reader comments and suggestions are always welcome. Contact the Simulating Reality Editorial staff at:
26
PARTNER SHOWCASE
Functional Concepts
MSC Software Corporation 2 MacArthur Place, Santa Ana, CA 92707 714.540.8900 | www.mscsoftware.com
2 | MSC Software
A Brand That
W
Delivers Certainty
hen product designs are modeled and simulated on the computer, there is one thing that really matters to engineers... Certainty. We rely on software to help us design safer products. We rely on it to tell us whether our products will withstand real life environmental and mechanical loading conditions (often times extreme). We rely on it to tell us if the design will last as it undergoes a series of loads throughout the products expected lifespan. We trust that the software we use will give us accurate performance assessments of the products the world uses every day to travel in, play with, generate energy with, and even the ones used inside and outside the human body to keep us living longer and enjoying a better quality of life. With an engineering simulation market that is growing rapidly and expected to reach $2.9B in size by 2012, it means more product manufacturers are relying on computer aided engineering (CAE) technology everyday to develop products that are safe, reliable, higher quality, better performing, and longer lasting. It is our mission at MSC Software to provide the means to do it. As part of this issue of Simulating Reality, we wanted to discuss the importance of certainty in a brand, by once again, providing examples through the voices of our valued customers. Over the years Ive watched manufacturers continue to use MSC because it is a brand that personifies certainty: certainty in computational analysis results the world can rely on, with the people and expertise to support the toughest engineering problems out there. In this issue, we spotlight customer use cases that discuss continuous reliance on simulation software to make better decisions, reduce costs of physical testing, or gaining confidence in results through new methods of correlation between virtual and physical test data. On page 14, AeroVironment says MSC Nastran results matched physical test data so well it was hard to believe. In this article, you can learn more about their use of analysis to test an unmanned aircraft with a wingspan of a Boeing 767, but with less than 10% of the weight. On page 18, Setforge Engineering says: We were able to compare a virtual video of the deformation generated by Patran with real video footage shot in one of our plants. The match was impressive. These are just a couple of our customer spotlights you might find of interest. Finally, dont forget to check out this issues feature story entitled There is a Better Way, which presents MSCs new addition to the portfolio - Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). We are pleased to offer XFlow, an innovative CFD software solution, giving our customers more physics to help solve a greater number of engineering problems with certainty, as always. Sincerely,
MSC SIMXPERT
Better Simulation
MSC ADAMS
Brings Interoperability & Speed
The latest version of Adams 2011 brought productivity enhancements for users, including improved interoperability for direct import and export of CAD formats, updated SimManager integration for archiving and managing Adams models and simulation results, a run-time clearance feature that provides solve time clearance analysis, and a library of run time solver features. CAD Interoperability Benefits: Ease of Use Eliminates need to pass CAD geometry through neutral formats Reads CAD assemblies into Adams and creates Adams parts Defines an accurate geometric representation of the system SimManager Integration Benefits: Integrated environment for Adams Data and Process Management Publish and Retrieve, Manage your simulation data from within the Adams interface Track audit trail history of model and result pedigree Distribute simulation across attribute teams Capture and leverage expertise Run Time Clearance Feature Benefits: For customers who want to do design iterations based on distance Find interference quickly and fix it Adams C++ Solver Performance Benefits: Faster delivery of new features New features drive speed and robustness To learn more about the Adams 2011 Release including additional enhancements for the automotive industry, go to: www.mscsoftware.com/adams
4 | MSC Software
MSC PATRAN
Expands on Ease of Use
The latest version of Patran provides a variety of usability improvements. Users were given a new modern user interface, more mouse control, better performance when working with large models, improved features for SimManager integration, and enhanced solver support. Modernized User Interface: Windows 7 like Ribbon User Interface increases productivity Greater mouse control/actions for interactive view port True 64-bit support on Windows and Linux improve performance when working with large models SimManager Integration Benefits: Publish and retrieve Patran database and related files Open database directly in Patran Manage simulation data and processes seamlessly within Patran Enhanced Solver Support Benefits: Improved contact support Better composites support Enhanced post processing New contact results visualization Rigid body Results animation
MSC NASTRAN
Solves Larger Problems
The latest versions of MSC Nastran and MD Nastran 2011 delivered significant performance gains through efficient numerical methods and High Performance Computing (HPC) methods. New features were also introduced for improved optimization, aeroelasticity, and rotordynamics simulations. High Performance Computing Benefits: Improved Shared Memory Parallel (SMP) scalability for better performance Faster solution run times Up to 5X speedup Improved productivity Ability to simulate large models
Optimization Enhancement Benefits: Flexibility to use 3rd party or internally developed optimizers Users are free to pursue optimization methods of choice Complements and extends MSCs optimization capabilities Aeroelasticity Enhancement Benefits: The CFD model for an aeroelastic analysis often consists of thousands and even more than a million aerodynamic grid points. This presents a challenge to the splining methods that were originally developed to handle smaller number grid points. In order to handle larger model with greater efficiency, new capabilities have been introduced in this release, which include: Implementation of an automated partitioning concept that breaks a single spline into a number of smaller splines Ability to restrict relaxation to the displacement instance of the spline while not applying it to the force instance To learn more about the latest MSC Nastran and MD Nastran 2011 Release, go to: www.mscsoftware.com/nastran
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w w w.msc s of t ware.com
The 3 Ps
People
Dominic Gallello
President & CEO MSC Software
- Ensuring that you have the right team on the field is a key to any winning team. Over the past year, we took a skills inventory and aggressively hired talent to complement our team thereby ensuring that we deliver on the products and solutions that our users expect. At the highest level, new members of our team contribute to enhancing our current and future products ease of use, performance, quality, capability and technical support. Many of our hires come from masters degree, PhD and post doctorate programs where they bring with them know-how on the edge of how simulation will be done in the future. This new set of outstanding brainpower is eager to contribute to the future of simulation in the areas of high performance computing, rotor dynamics, fatigue, acoustics, materials simulation and more. We are also enhancing our field and technical support teams to ensure that we continue to provide deep engineering knowledge to help our users to solve their engineering challenges.
- This spring we began rolling out our new Application Lifecycle Management System (ALM). Using a combination of licensed and in-house developed technology, our ALM will speed our development, better manage our processes and provide us the visibility to continue to drive product quality improvement. Of course, having a modern development platform on its own can never ensure user satisfying functionality and quality. Equally important, we are asking you to read our specifications before we build and we are implementing the most rigorous code development and testing process in perhaps the history of MSC. Some results will come quickly with better visibility into the status and issues of development and some will take some time to ensure that the design is complete and responsive to customer needs. We are confident however that we can deliver much more in a shorter period of time as a result. - Innovation will happen and it will likely happen through collaboration and technology. We have been aggressive in establishing new partnerships that will benefit customers, either in the short term or in the longer term. Our partnership with Next Limit brings an innovative kind of CFD to our users, and will be coupled with MSC structural and motion solutions. A new Registered Consultant Program brings a new set of industry expert resources to help our customers with their toughest simulation projects. A Research Assist Program coming this summer will focus on helping some of the best researchers in the industry to develop new solutions which could eventually have breakthrough results for our customers. And finally, MSC is offering our software at no charge to students anywhere in the world. As expected, the response from the worlds next generation of engineers has been great! We have made tremendous progress on the 3 Ps in a very short period of time. Our users are already seeing the benefits and they can expect more. Thank you for your trust in MSC and our team! Dominic Gallello
[email protected]
Process
Partnership
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NEWS
Collaborating with Global Users
MSC AMERICAS
Bringing The Experts to You
MSC has been bringing our experts to you through Seminars, Technology Days, Tradeshows and Webinars. As a company with a half-century of engineering experience in analytical tools, we know that engineering is not just about software, its about the engineers who use software to develop results. In the first half of 2011, we put our application engineers on the road to help you solve problems. Our technology day workshops offered a unique experience for engineers by allowing you to meet the experts, get hands-on experience, and an opportunity to take home a 30 day evaluation license of the software.
MSC Software Visits The White House to Help Make Small Businesses More Competitive
In March, MSC visited the White House in Washington DC, USA, to support the Council on Competitive Initiative to make Small Businesses More Competitive through Game Changing Technology. The objective of the meeting was to create a partnership with Private Sector (OEMs, Supply Chain Manufacturers, Software Providers), and Public Sector (Universities and HPC Providers) to develop an ecosystem on the cloud that allows supply chain manufactures to use Modeling and Simulation to drive innovation. In the meeting the public sector put up $2M and the private sector (big OEMs) contributed $2.5M to kick off this project. MSC Software was the only software company invited to the meeting.
A few of the big names in attendance were: U.S. Chief Technology Officer, Aneesh Chopra* Assistant to the President for Manufacturing Policy, Ron Bloom* Assistant Secretary of Commerce, John Fernandez* NASA CTO, Bob Braun* Lockheed Martin CTO, Ray Johnson Associate Director of Innovation & Industry Services for NIST, Phillip Singerman GE CTO, Christine Furstoss P&G CTO, Bruce Brown P&G Director of R&D Modeling and Simulation, Tom Lange Senior Director of Ohio Supercomputing Center, Ashok Krishnamurthy Academic Account Manager & Program Coordinator, MSC Software, Casey Radigan* Senior Marketing Manager, MSC Software, Tony Davenport*
(*In picture)
To Read more, please go here to find an article from the Council on Competitiveness:
http://www.mscsoftware.com/council
MSC JAPAN
2011 Japan User Conference
The annual Japan User Conferences took place in Tokyo, Nagoya , and in Osaka. The events attracted 394 participants, and 33 customer keynotes/papers. Among them, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, IHI, JAXA and many others shared real world experiences in the area of 8 | MSC Software
simulation modeling and analysis. Sponsors for this years conference were NEC, Fujitsu, ISID and 8 other partners. Participant responses were very positive, and feedback indicated the user conferences were successful in showing the Japan market consistent progress toward expansion of MSCs Multidisciplinary (MD) solutions and product development initiatives.
MSC INDIA
Auto Suppliers Meet
With renewed focus on Expanding the Horizon of simulation into Small Medium Business (SMB) segments, an MSC Software Auto Suppliers Meet was conducted in Chennai, India. The event was aimed at generating awareness within the Auto Supplier community for MSCs broad range of Simulation software offerings and their application advantages during product development. A total of 58 attendees from 20 companies participated in the event, returning home with valuable knowledge learned during interactive sessions with MSC technical experts. The event also generated interest among some participants on the topic of Durability Co-simulation, where the simulation technologies of MSC Nastran, MSC Adams and MSC Fatigue are combined to perform complex durability analysis.
MSC CHINA
Wind Energy Seminar
The MSC China team held a wind energy seminar in Shanghai to address the fast growing China Wind Energy Market. The event was aimed at generating awareness among wind energy integrators and suppliers of MSCs wide range of engineering software and solutions for this market. Over 80 attendees form 35 companies joined this event. The event also generated significant interest among turbine manufacturers for MSC Nastran, Patran, Adams, and other simulation tools.
MSC KOREA
Korea User Conference
The Korea User Conference took place in Gyeongju. The event attracted 192 attendees and a customer keynote from the Korea Aerospace Industry, along with 28 customer technical papers. Attendees gave positive feedback upon leaving the conference and said it was an excellent opportunity to hear so many new insights around simulation and analysis from MSC and other companies.
Campus Campaign
Creating future users of MSC Software products is a key initiative around the world. MSC China is putting forth significant effort in getting MSC products into the hands of more students, and therefore launched a new China campus campaign to promote the MSC Student Editions. Over 30 schools are encouraging students to do more exercises and assignments using MSCs Students Editions.
MSC EMEA
MSC Software is Bringing the Experts to You
Throughout the first half of the year, MSC continued to address the needs of our users in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). User Days took place in several countries, attracting many attendees, some of which also came to our Motion and FEA day, which offered a tour of Polestar Racing in Gteborg, Sweden. The team also hosted a Users Conference in Turkey. Highlighted during this event were new features of Marc, Nastran and Adams, and numerous MD Nastran customer case studies. Technology Day Workshops across EMEA took place, as well as a Wind Turbine Day in Hamburg, Germany, focusing on MSC capabilities for modeling and simulating wind turbines using MSCs Advanced Wind Turbine Modeling solution. Additionally, two product centric user groups were conducted, one in Munich for Adams, and another for MSC Nastran, where lively discussions took place around composite modeling and simulation.
Volume 1 - Summer 2011
Infotech Day
Infotech Enterprises is one of the largest Engineering Service Providers in India, and also one of MSC Indias biggest customers. Their clients include GKN Aerospace, UTC, Phillips, and Boeing. An exclusive seminar focused on MSC product updates, primarily for MD Nastran & SimXpert, was conducted to help the team pursue new projects around multidiscipline simulation as well as simulation automation. The event was attended by 80 employees of Infotech which included Business Development Managers, Key Account Managers and Users.
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TM
To download MSC Student Editions, visit: www.mscsoftware.com/student-center See our Student Interviews on Page 32 >>
whats your
CAE proficiency?
try the
MSC COMPETENCY CHALLENGE
Knowledge of MSC Software is an increasingly valuable asset in todays world. Companies are competing for the services of well-trained users of MSC Software products, such as MSC Nastran and Adams, to accurately and reliably predict how products will behave in the real world to help engineers design better, more innovative products - quickly and cost effectively. MSC Softwares competency tests give users the opportunity to measure their existing MSC product knowledge against a global standard, further develop their skills, and improve their chances of finding MSC Software simulation jobs in todays competitive marketplace.
HOW IT WORKS:
Participants in the MSCs Competency Challenge will take an Simulating Reality, Delivering Certainty online multiple-choice test which examines their understanding of the Simulation technology concepts and in particular with MSCs product knowledge and functions. Scores will be displayed immediately after completion of test. You can take as many practicing tests as desired. If you achieve a score of 80 % or above, you can choose to have your Competency Challenge results published in our User Recognition web-database to compare your knowledge to fellow MSC users. Note that you can take as many practice tests as desired.
TM
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Traditional CFD
XFlow
Particle-based approach Adaptive renement
Mesh
structured/unstructured type of elements meshing method renement regions RANS: large diversity of empirical models Need to calibrate model constants linear/nonlinear stabilization parameters
Langrarian formulation
This means XFlow can be used across many complex applications like wind turbines, aircraft landing gear deployment, manufacturing production lines involving complex motion, and even automotive water drive through analysis. XFlow technology helps a wide range of industries: Automotive Aeronautics Marine Civil engineering Energy Bioengineering Defense Manufacturing Electronics
This technology is the future of CFD, and brings new possibilities for new complete simulation and analysis solutions for our customers.
boundaries, applications such as a full vehicle manoeuvre in Adams with full aerodynamic and cross-wind effects will be a solution which only MSC can deliver. We selected XFlow due to its superior visualization features and innovative approach to modeling CFD problems, says Ken Welch, VP of Product Management at MSC Software. This technology is the future of CFD, and brings new possibilities for new complete simulation and analysis solutions for our customers. See why with XFlow There is a better way. To schedule a demo, visit:
http://www.mscsoftware.com/xflow
XFlows treatment of moving geometries is straightforward. The statistical distribution functions coming from the boundaries are reconstructed taking into account the wall distance, the velocity and the surface properties. The set of statistical distribution functions are reconstructed each time-step based on the updated position of the moving boundaries. As the physics are not implemented using surface elements, XFlow relaxes the requirements imposed to the geometries and is tolerant to crossing or complex surfaces.
CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT
he Global Observer is an unmanned aircraft with the wingspan of a Boeing 767, but less than 10% of the weight designed to provide communications and sensing for flights lasting up to one week at up to 65,000 feet. With a maximum wing loading of only 3.5 pounds per square feet, the wingtip deflects greater than 22 feet at its design limit load. MSC Nastran was utilized to develop nonlinear stress, structural dynamic and aeroelastic finite element models. The structural dynamics model was correlated to a ground vibration test, both of which had to accommodate the apparent mass of the air, which is atypical. The ultimate test of the nonlinear stress model was correlated with the static wing load test, performed last summer. Correlation with static load testing was so good that at first I did not believe it, said D.J. Taylor, Principal Engineer for AeroVironment, the company developing the Global Observer. All of the MSC Nastran models have proven valuable for addressing the various modifications and design changes inherent in a proof of concept / prototype effort, and will be even more useful in optimizing a production version.
The unique capabilities of the Global Observer are provided by its unusual design in which a plane with a 175 foot wingspan is propelled by less than 100 horsepower. The complex design of the primary structure provides maximum strength and tailored stiffness at minimum weight, but also presents an enormous analysis challenge. The primary structure utilizes several combinations of graphiteepoxy, honeycomb and foam core materials that are highly tailored to meet the strength and stiffness requirements while simultaneously minimizing weight. The wing was tested to design limit loads and the fuselage tested to destruction. We selected MSC Nastran to model the Global Observer because of MSC Nastrans unique aeroelastic
Considering the magnitude of the analysis challenge and the potential for error in both the analyses and the test, the correlation is excellent.
14 | MSC Software
Figure 2: Physical measurements and finite element analysis predictions for strain on the lower spar cap
capabilities, Taylor said. Most important in this project is providing an aeroelastic solution that is coupled to a high fidelity structural model. Overall, MSC Nastran is a very good product that is upgraded regularly. Just as important is the quality of the support. Our MSC application engineer visits us at least once a month to see how we are doing and help us with any issues. When necessary, we can talk to experts like Dean Bellinger, Technical Engineer at MSC Software, who helped us with this model on several occasions. Our ability to model this plane was enabled by the support, on-site visits and consulting services provided by MSC.
the accuracy of the results while keeping solution time at a reasonable level. A Department of Defense (DoD), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and AeroVironment team performed a series of wing load tests using a specialized fixture to apply loads to the 175 foot wing. The purpose of wing load testing was to demonstrate that the wing can withstand the stress experienced as a result of normal operation in turbulent air as well as requisite aircraft maneuvers. Figure 2 shows the finite element analysis predictions compared to the physical measurements of the strain along the length of the spar caps.
The MSC Nastran models of the Global Observer have been used extensively during the test program. We are making changes regularly to address issues that surface during the various test programs, Taylor said. The MSC Nastran models have helped considerably in addressing these issues. For example, we might need to drill an unplanned hole for instrumentation at various locations on the structure and need to know if it may have any structural implications. Before we perform any modification, we look at the analysis or rerun the analysis with the proposed modification to ascertain the structural implications. As we transition to production, the MSC Nastran models will be used even more extensively, specifically in an optimization sense. The correlated MSC Nastran models give us a high level of confidence for our future design efforts on Global Observer and we fully intend to vigorously exercise the parametric design and optimization tools built into the MSC environment to take weight out of the aircraft to further enhance its performance. ________________________________
This article was based on an interview with D.J. Taylor, Principal Engineer for AeroVironment. Special thanks to Jerry Fireman with Structured Information, for his Writing Services.
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CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT
Certified To Fly
ADA Certifies Aircraft with a New Store Using Measured Modal Parameters AERONAUTICAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (ADA)
ighter aircraft typically carry a number of different under-wing external stores such as fuel tanks, bombs and missiles. The geometrical and inertial parameters of these stores have an influence on the flight envelope and the flutter characteristics of the aircraft. An imported aircraft is certified by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for the carriage of certain stores within a specified envelope. However, if the country which has acquired the aircraft decides to integrate a new store, then it has to either approach the OEM to help in the certification process or devise a mechanism to carry out the exercise itself. The former approach has a twofold disadvantage, including violation of secrecy and also the prohibitive cost. Hence, it is imperative that an independent approach, along with the local certification authorities, be evolved to achieve the required objective.
course of this program, ADA has acquired expertise in various areas of Computer Aided Design (CAD), Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), Avionics, Systems, Independent Validation and Verification and Flight Simulation. One of the areas in which ADA is acknowledged as an authority in the country is in the area of Loads, Structural Dynamics and Aeroelasticity. The group which is responsible for this task is part of the Airframe Directorate of ADA. This group was charged with the responsibility of formulating a strategy for obtaining the clearance for integrating the new store on the aircraft under consideration. The task of formulating the strategy and implementing it to certify the aircraft with the new store was completely handled by Mr. Dhandabani V., Dr. Hemalatha E. and Mr. Kamesh J V. of ADA, and Shripathi V. of CSM Software, Bangalore, India. CSM software is a provider of Engineering Services and also a business partner of MSC Software. Through its partnership with MSC Software, CSM has helped many companies accelerate innovation and generate a higher return on investment. This case study primarily deals with the clearance of the Altitude Mach No. envelope of the aircraft, with the new store, which is essentially based on flutter computations.
ADA analysts validated the new method on an aircraft (Aircraft-1) for which a complete FE model was available. They created a dummy FE model of this aircraft in MSC Patran with a small number of nodes; one for each accelerometer used in GVT. The nodes were connected with 2D CQUAD and TRIA elements. Mode shapes were visualized in Patran to check the quality of the data and the import process. MSC FlightLoads was used to create a 2D aerodynamic model using plan form geometry. The aerodynamic and structural models were then coupled for flutter computations at the required altitude and speed levels. MSC Nastran Aeroelasticity I and II were used to determine the unsteady air loads due to the structural vibration modes at various altitudes and speeds. The MSC Nastran Direct Matrix Abstraction Programming (DMAP) module was used to update the structural model by replacing the modal mass, stiffness and mode shape matrices with the data measured in GVT. The DMAP module provides the ability to modify MSC Nastrans prewritten solution sequences or write customized solution sequences to solve specialized problems. DMAP delivers a high-level, flexible, and powerful programming language that allows users to expand MSC Nastrans capabilities by writing their own applications and installing their own custom modules. DMAP has its own grammatical rules and compiler built inside of MSC Nastran that provide matrix operations for the manipulation and creation of data blocks for use by MSC Nastran or other programs.
Flutter Characteristics (Mach) Altitude Low Medium High Store 1 2.66 3.01 3.57 New Store 1.68 1.89 2.31 Store 2 1.52 1.55 1.69
Flutter Characteristics Altitude Detailed FE Flutter Analysis Mach Low Medium High 1.39 1.69 2.18 Freq (Hz) 12.7 12.7 12.7 Model Based on GVT Data Mach 1.41 1.54 1.88 Freq (Hz) 13.04 12.5 13.03
Flutter results based on full FE model vs. results obtained from GVT data for the validation study
The excellent correlation between FE based flutter analysis and flutter analysis based on GVT data validated the use of this method on the second aircraft, the one with a new store requiring flutter clearance.
The method of using GVT data to drive a FE analysis has been used previously but this application is believed to be the first time that flutter clearance has been based on GVT data. This approach made it possible to quickly and efficiently evaluate the flutter performance of the aircraft with the new store. _________________________________
This article was based on an interview with Dr. Hemalatha E. of ADA, Shripathi V. of CSM Software. Special thanks to Jerry Fireman with Structured Information, for his Writing Services.
The methodology described above was used to predict the flutter characteristics of the aircraft for which FE data was available using MSC Nastran for flutter analysis. The flutter results using GVT data also matched up well to those obtained from the FE model. The Mach numbers show the speeds at which the analysis predicted that flutter would occur.
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CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT
The Solution
To define an initial digital model and simulate the electro-upsetting process, the company used MSC Patran, a multidisciplinary pre- and post-processing environment, in combination with MSC Marc, advanced nonlinear analysis software, both components of the AFEA bundle from MSC Software.
Simulation Resources
When Setforge joined the group, Farinia took the opportunity to review its simulation resources. Nicolas Behr, Chief Project Engineer at Setforge Engineering explains: We realized the limits of the tools we were using and that their maintenance cost was too high relative to their capacities. Whats more, because of some of the methods used by the group especially electro-upsetting
Electro-Upsetting Technology
Long sectional parts like driving wheel shafts, axles, spindles and cylinder rods are among the mechanical parts for which all conventional forging techniques have their limits, notably the risk of buckling. This is why industrial customers do not always source this type of product from forges. However, one forging technique is particularly good at this type of work. It consists of using the Joule effect by sending a strong electric current through a length of around 10 cm of the stock or billet to maintain one end at forge temperature, and then applying a hammer blow that shapes the stock against the anvil. This is the technique known as electro-upsetting. It delivers several advantages over other manufacturing processes such as machining. These include raw material savings and better fiber quality. The initial diameter can be multiplied by a factor of up to twenty. In reality, the electro-upsetting is not the first stage in the manufacturing process, as induction is used to raise the temperature in
The Know-How
French group Farinia acquired Setforge in March 2009. Farinia already owned a number of forges as well as foundry and machining facilities, and the acquisition of Setforge made it Frances Number 1 forging specialist and one of the leading European groups in the sector. Farinia adopted the name Setforge for its forging business, and with seven French plants, the division provides nationwide coverage for all hot and cold forging techniques including crank, screw and hydraulic presses, and hammers, while presenting a diversified services portfolio supporting: A range of metals including steel, stainless steel, titanium, brass and aluminum Industries including automotive (cars and trucks), aerospace (notably for high-value materials), civil engineering, energy, construction, and other sectors All production volumes: from one-off parts to multi-million unit runs.
18 | MSC Software
We now know that we can also gain a lot from using the solutions from MSC Software, from their teams know-how, and from their ability to listen to and collaborate with their customers.
and machines, explains Nicolas Behr. We know that we can impact a very wide range of parameters and that is why we are optimistic about the gains that the MSC Software solutions can deliver. Through a better understanding of the technology, we also hope to offer this production method more often as an alternative to other competitive processes. Setforge Engineering also uses Marc and Patran for other applications and provides technological guidance for the factories and their customers. The simulations and graphic results will be especially useful in illustrating the technical arguments used to support their recommendations. For all our projects, we aim to achieve the best cost/performance ratio by drawing on the forging skills that we have within the Group, concludes Nicolas Behr. We now know that we can also gain a lot from using the solutions from MSC Software, from their teams knowhow, and from their ability to listen to and collaborate with their customers. __________________________________
This article was authored by Nicolas Behr at Setforge Engineering (Farinia Group) with input from Alain Crozier, MSC Software France office
The billet (in green) is heated to the temperature of the forge between the jaws (in mauve) and the anvil (in yellow) and is crushed between the hammer (in blue) and the anvil
we had to model and simulate the nonlinear multiphysics phenomena that characterize these technologies. Setforge Engineering chose the Patran and Marc simulation solutions from MSC Software because they met these requirements, and then asked the MSC Software engineering services team in Lyons to conduct a mission. We were still learning how to use these solutions, and this initial study looked complex. We thought it would be better to bring in the specialists, admits Nicolas Behr. Electro-upsetting is affected by electrical, thermal and mechanical phenomena involving complex sets of parameters. We asked MSC Software to develop a first model to see whether the results of the simulation matched our experience on the shop floor. Alain Crozier, Senior Technical Consultant in the MSC Software team explains what is so special about the missions undertaken by the entity: Our customers have experience and know-how in what they do and we have experience and know-how in simulation. Putting the two together delivers results. Our methods of investigation and the way we present our results also enable our customers to develop their skills in using the software. Parts shaped by upsetting are axisymmetric though the finished part may not be so a 2D representation is enough to work on. It is not the geometry that makes modeling these parts so complex; it is defining the parameters that will affect the calculation. These include: The electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of the material The laws governing the material flow The mechanical contacts and forces applied The power, electrical intensity and electrical process control The characteristics of the interaction with the environment (the temperature of the part can rise to 1,000C at some points)
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MSC Software
TECH TIPS
Fatigue
By Joe Satkunananthan
Manager, Marc Technical Support Americas MSC Software
The following hints and recommendations are made when trying to create gauges.
1. The elements selected to define the surface where the gauge will be placed must describe an area larger than the gauge footprint, otherwise the creation will fail and an error message will be issued. 2. Do not try to place gauges on top of sharp geometric features such as corners. The surfacewhere the gauge is to be placed should have a radius of curvature which is large relative to the gauge dimensions. 3. Select as few welements as possible, but sufficient to define an area larger than the gauge. Selection of extra elements will result in longer creation times.
20 | MSC.Software
Nastran
Adams
By John Lee
By Kent West
Optimization Techniques
Optimization Studies using External Superelements with MSC Nastran
Automatic External Superelement Optimization (AESO) Optimization is an efficient and automated tool for designing structures. This tool has been available since very early versions of MSC Nastran. Constant enhancements, as related to this capability, have been added to subsequent versions of MSC and MD Nastran. A typical optimization statement consists of an objective function (the most critical goal - minimizing the weight), constraints (stress not to exceed certain levels), and design variables (areas that you can change - example, thickness of a panel). As a structural analyst who has never used optimization before, if this sounds familiar to you, its because you have been using this same processits just that its a manual process (multiple re-analyses), rather than an automatic process using optimization. In Nastran MDR2 (v2007), an automated external superelement analysis method was introduced that automatically creates the external superelement, along with the design model that is needed for subsequent optimization analysis. This combination (whether its the automated method AESO or the manual method) is a powerful tool that is under-utilized. The article shows the benefits of performance gain when using this feature. A GM 4th generation Camaro is used for this study. The model information is shown below.
Total # of DOFs DOFs in the residual # of elements Input load # of frequencies # or response points # of design variables 126,278 315 30,886 random 61 3 9
Figure 1
Model Description For this problem, we are interested in minimizing the PSD response at the drivers and passengers seat due to a random input at the wheels. The design model consists of the support structures for the engine mount.
Initial Objective Function One shot run AESO Assembly Run 0.153 0.153 Final Objective Function 0.133 0.131 # of Design Cycles 9 10
The smoother forces from analytical contact geometry not only look better in postprocessing, but lead to faster, Figure 2 more robust simulations. Figure 3 shows the CPU usage for this model in Adams 2010 and 2008r1: note how the 2010 simulation completes in half the time required by 2008r1. Table 1 lists the available analytical geometry types. Note carefully that only the I-geometry (first geometry) in the CONTACT statement will be considered as analytical. The J-geometry (second geometry) is always meshed, as is any imported (external) geometry. Ideal geometry with features (holes, chamfers, etc) is similarly meshed by default. Building a model carefully to take advantage of the analytical contact geometries should result in significant simulation time savings, more robust solutions and Figure 3 smoother contact forces.
Adams Release 2010 2011 Analytical CONTACT Geometries Sphere, Ellipsoid, Cylinder, Box Sphere, Ellipsoid, Cylinder, Box, Frustum, Torus
Results
# of times analysis is performed 1 2 3 n One shot run 1503 1503 1503 1503 run - total elapsed time (sec) 1503 3006 4509 (n*1503) One shot AESO External SE Reduction Run - elapsed time (sec) 187 0 0 0 AESO Assembly Run - elapsed time (sec) 65 65 65 65 AESO Run - total elapsed
time (sec)
Performance Summary The elapsed time for the one shot optimization run is 1503 seconds. The elapsed time using the AESO method is 252 seconds (187 seconds for the reduction run plus 65 seconds for the residual optimization run). This is a performance increase of 6 to 1. This performance ratio is even more drastic as the number of times that you have to redo the analysis for the design model increases. For example, if you have to redo this analysis for the design model 10 times, the performance ratio becomes 18 to 1 (15,030/837). How often do we only analyze the structure once?
| 21
TECHNOLOGY MATTERS
n the design of any new high explosive ammunition, the most complex and often problematic component is the fuzing system. The fuze must incorporate a Safe and Arm device to ensure that the projectile may only enter the armed state following exposure to firing forces and after reaching a safe distance from the muzzle of the weapon. Engineers at System Design Evaluation Ltd. (SDE) in Hertfordshire, UK have constructed rigid and flexible body MSC Adams models to study the motion and strength of the design of fuze mechanisms to identify potential design issues and assist with analysis of trials results. Conducting live firing ammunition trials is an expensive business, said Eva Friis, Project Manager for the APEX ammunition development programme at Nammo Raufoss, Norway. Analysis of recovered fuzes to determine the cause of failure is little short of forensic science and it is difficult to know how the forces imposed during recovery of the projectile affect the results. The Adams simulations have provided an insight into the operation of the fuze and enabled the team to highlight and address weaknesses with the design before manufacture and physical testing.
projectile spin resulting in deformation of internal components sufficient to result in the unlocking of two retaining gears. Computer modeling of ammunition fuzes has not been without challenges. Safe and Arm devices are often mechanical and operate using clockwork escapement mechanisms, similar to those found in wrist watches. Such mechanisms rely heavily on 3D contact, leading to extended run times. Further, fuze arming times are largely dependent on the definition of frictional algorithms within the models. SDE has worked closely with fuze manufacturers to overcome this and validate models against static spin tests thereby providing a firm basis from which to investigate further design permutations.
Adams flexible body modeling of a high explosive projectile fuze Safe and Arm Device to examine kinematic functionality and strength of design
22 | MSC Software
In particular, due to the reciprocating nature of the regulator component, considerable forces may be dissipated throughout the gear train. This can sometimes lead to catastrophic failure of the components due to shearing of gear teeth, resulting in premature arming of the fuze. The components of such mechanisms can be modeled as flexible bodies within Adams allowing an assessment to be made of the stresses and strains developed in each part during operation. The Adams results have not only successfully predicted the failure of components on numerous occasions within various fuze designs, but have also facilitated in the redesign of components to achieve suitable strength. Importantly, by quantification of stresses within components, Adams has assisted in proving compliance with required safety factors, information which is not possible to glean from live firing trials results.
Detailed Adams flexible-body modeling of a fuze escapement mechanism allows you to see stress results real-time.
Adams has provided significant guidance to the design and development effort, reducing the number of expensive trials required and, therefore, the overall cost of the development programme.
The sensitivity of the fuze is critical to ensuring a high probability of success. Through the use of Adams to simulate and optimize the design of the impact mechanism, the successful function of the Nammo 25mm APEX round against a wide range of targets is ensured. Adams has played a significant role in identifying and, importantly, quantifying the magnitude of issues in one of the most technically challenging areas of ammunition design, concluded Eva. It has provided significant guidance to the design and development effort, reducing the number of expensive trials required and, therefore, the overall cost of the development programme.
__________________________________
This article was authored by Scott Bradley, Design, Modeling & Simulation Lead, System Design Evaluation Ltd.
Adams rigid body modeling of a fuze impact delay mechanism to determine sensitivity to impact at various velocities, angles and with different materials | 23
TECHNOLOGY MATTERS
Seeing is Believing
Improving Performance of Optical Systems
SIGMADYNE
Environmental Factors Degrade Optical Performance
When optical systems become exposed to a non-ideal environment, their optical performance degrades. For example, a lens system which was designed to produce high quality images may produce poor quality images when subjected to the thermal effects of a laser beam. Some of the energy in the beam is absorbed by each lens, causing temperature gradients throughout each lens that deform the lens surfaces. A second effect of the temperature gradients is a change in the indices of refraction, optical material properties that are dependent on temperature. A third and less important effect is that the temperature gradients induce stresses that also change the indices of refraction. These combined effects cause image quality to decline. As any camera buff knows, another common environmental factor affecting optical performance is vibrations. Any optical imaging system which produces quality images in a stable condition will produce lower quality images when subjected to vibrations coming through its support condition. In the case of a handheld camera the source of vibration is the instability of the person holding it. In the case of a high performance imaging system possible sources of vibration are cooling equipment, altitude control gryroscopes, aircraft vibration, and other ambient vibration sources. A good design team must be able to predict the effects of the environment on their optical system in order to optimize their design to mitigate such effects. Such performance prediction requires the proper tools. In the examples above, MD Nastran can predict the mechanical behavior quite well. To predict optical performance, SigFit is required to convert the results from MD Nastran into a form suitable for optical analysis software.
24 | MSC Software
These deformations and stresses are processed by SigFit for input to the optical analysis. With these inputs, the optical analysis program can be used to predict the combined effects of the temperature gradients on optical performance. SigFit handles several practical issues associated with converting finite element data to optical input data, such as coordinate system transformations, unit conversions, and surface numbering. SigFit is most commonly used to generate such output as best fit rigid body motions and polynomial coefficients while accommodating each optical analysis codes conventions of ordering, normalization, and format for the polynomial coefficients.
Nastran
Thermal Analysis
TM
Temperatures
Structural Model
Displacements
Stresses
SigFit
Optical Analysis
MD Nastran reduced the weight by a factor of two, while maintaining the required optical and structural performance
SigFit will write best-fit polynomial coefficients for optical surfaces in MD Nastran MPC format. These coefficients are accurate for thermal or mechanical loads. SigFit will write residual surface RMS after selected polynomials are subtracted as MD Nastran DRESP2 entries for use in optimization. SigFits adaptive analysis capability will solve for actuator forces required to minimize surface RMS error. If desired, the genetic optimizer will choose the actuator locations which provide the best corrected surface. SigFit will read MD Nastran modes output, then conduct harmonic or random analysis within SigFit to determine optical MTF (modulation transfer function) effects due to line-of-sight jitter effects.
Response
Thermally Induced Wavefront Error Gravity Release Induced Wavefront Error Peak Launch Stresses First Natural Frequency Weight Areal Density
Summary
MD Nastran and SigFit combine to create a powerful tool for improving the performance of optical systems.
Reference: Genberg, V., Michels, G., Doyle, K., Optical interface for MSC Nastran, MSC-VPD04-31, MSC Conference Proceedings (2004). __________________________________
This article was authored by Dr. Victor Genberg, Sigmadyne
Initial Design
9 nm
Optimized Design
20 nm
Requirement
20 nm
54 nm
60 nm
60 nm
The initial design of the adaptively controlled primary mirror satisfied requirements, but was over-designed. The optimized design is less than half the weight with all requirements met.
| 25
PARTNER SHOWCASE
ForceFive is an MSC Software Community Partner who offers Fast Concept Modeller (FCM), an integrated CAD software solution developed to increase efficiency in conceptual design and engineering. The FCM product provides integration with MSC Nastran optimization solutions.
Functional Concepts
Integrating Analysis & Optimization into Early Design Process
Challenges in the concept development of vehicles
ForceFive
easy creation of fully parametric-associative concept geometry. Figure 1 shows how a complete vehicle model can be easily created with a (topological) wireframe structure, watertight surfaces on the basis of few intelligent commands. (NVH) and static analyses. The analysis loop is fully automated and repeatable. An extension to the other modules, the FCM Structure Analysis pre-processor adds 1D meshing from cross section-based beam structures to the FCM-geometry and shell mesh. This unique tool discretizes complex beam structures directly within the CAD system, which are ready for sizing optimization. The FCM structural elements are created, discretized, and their resulting sections and properties can be visualized within FCM itself. Optionally, these 1D beam meshes can automatically be coupled to the 2D shell meshes using RBE2 elements. The complete functional model is exported directly as an MSC Nastran Bulk Data File (FDF).
Concept development is all about experimenting and optimizing, giving an initial direction to the product development. But creation of concept geometries alone without functional validation is meaningless. At the start of functional evaluation there might be no geometric model available. Therefore, the functional models are built parallel to the geometrical design. At certain time points, a synchronization of these parallel development activities is required. This is time and resource intensive. ForceFive AG, an MSC Software partner located in Germany has been focusing on providing the Computer Aided Design (CAD) and the Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) worlds with a common working platform. This case study presents a unique solution called the Fast Concept Modeller (FCM), which integrates a design tool for styling and package and concept geometry with direct interface to CAE-processes, along with feedback of optimization results.
FCM analysis pre-processor: An add-on to the FCM parametric modeler, the FCM Analysis Pre-processor is aimed at preparing Finite Element (FE) meshes directly from parametric designs created in the CAD system. It offers the ability to save FE data right into the CAD model. CAE attributes including connections only need to be assigned the first time round. When the parts are changed these attributes are automatically updated. Moreover, its direct interfaces to FE and meshing programs allow automatic export of models for crash, Noise Vibration Harshness
What is FCM?
FCM is an integrated CATIA V5 toolset enabling a new level of efficiency in styling, concept design and engineering. Intuitive modeling and FE analysis are coupled in a very unique way. It has three modules:
FCM parametric modeler: is the core module providing an intuitive way to create associative, parametric models with the flexibility required to freely change and manipulate designs. FCM parametric modeler accelerates design and allows for very fast and
26 | MSC Software
Figure 2: FCM Analysis Pre-processor: assign CAEproperties, define connections; seamless batch meshing
The optimized cross sections are imported and visualized in FCM which can directly drive and automatically update the FCM geometry along with the suggested geometry and property changes, e.g. wall thickness.
Using the Fast Concept Modeller along with MSC Nastran, the actual concept geometry can be converted automatically into beam meshes without any shape approximation or standardization.
Structural Optimization Using Beam Models
To speed up the integration of optimization results into the design process, FCM has the ability to read and display the optimized cross sections from the MSC Nastran-BDF and PCH-files. It can be deployed for shape and topology optimization projects where the result is not just an optimized mesh but CAD geometry itself. used for generating conventional shell models during the product development process.
Conclusion
Beam and Shell MSC Nastran models are used at BMW for design and optimization of complete vehicle models and their characteristics. Hybrid optimization with dedicated optimization tools and MSC Nastran has proved to deliver much better results than using gradient based optimization solely. The time and effort for geometric model creation and FE model derivation can be reduced dramatically. __________________________________
This article was authored by Christian Fritz, ForceFive AG, Germany
For the first time its possible to incorporate the optimization results and update the CAD geometry live at the press of a button. (There are different options available to update either selected objects individually or the complete model). Details can be successively added to the optimized FCM-model which can be
Figure 5: Traditional (above) vs. FCM (below) Methods for Generation of 1D FE-Beam Elements
The advantages of beam models are: Simplified modeling of complex structures leads to reduced model size Very fast creation of concept variants possible through manual modification within the pre-processor Optimization of cross section dimension and thickness for an entire vehicle body with MSC Nastran
| 27
PARTNER SHOWCASE
data M is an MSC Software Community Partner who develops software solutions for roll forming simulation. The companys solutions are powered by MSC Marc, an advanced nonlinear analysis solution.
or many centuries sheet metal forming has been an important part of human evolution. While in former times it was mainly used for open vessels, horseshoes, weapons or knights armor, the range of use is much wider today. Sheet metal forming is required in nearly all industries. Automotive and chemical industries are only two examples for industry sectors that are strongly dependent upon the process.
data M
machine set-up in order to find potential weaknesses in the roll forming process a costly and time-consuming approach causing undesired machine downtimes.
It will not improve the product quality of a company overnight, but it will allow the operator to create a knowledge base on roll forming step by step. And this will help to avoid bad tooling design, machine down times and too much scrap. With the COPRA FEA RF module, data M has developed highly efficient software packages tailored to the roll forming industrys needs. The program imports data directly from COPRA RF DTM, which acts as a pre-processor for the Finite Element Simulation technique. In addition to the COPRA RF DTM simulation results, COPRA FEA RF, which utilizes MSC Marc, provides essential information about forces, torques, stresses, and a 3D-visualization of the final product showing possible deformations. As a matter of fact, this module can be regarded as a virtual roll forming mill that allows the user to try out new roll sets even before the actual manufacturing process. The use of FEA, of course, also changes the actual design process itself. The classical design method requires a clearly defined time frame for a roll design, roll manufacturing and machine setup. As soon as FEA is being applied, the classical process changes. The time required for the design may be slightly longer using an optimization process during the initial layout, but increasing the engineering
In the next step the punch hole pattern was added to the flat strip and the second FEA was conducted. The result was completely different. Due to the soft side faces caused by the punch holes, the entire section was compressed and the punch hole geometry was totally damaged. It appeared that the forming strategy used in this case would not deliver the required profile quality. In roll forming, the best quality can usually be achieved if the rolls directly contact the bends that need to be formed. As soon as air bending the forming of the material without direct contact with the rolls is necessary, a material movement control is no longer possible. In this case, the pressure of the top roll was necessary to properly form the bend, but simultaneously caused the damage of the punch holes.
MSC Softwares
Anniversary Celebration
50th
Front view of the station. Inside drawing die controlling the bend area.
...it is now possible to predict practical results with high accuracy with Copra RollForm and MSC Marc.
The shape of the section did not allow the rolls to contact the bend. Therefore it was impossible to optimize the roll design. The only solution was the implementation of an alternative forming tool. After checking the options, a drawing die was selected. Using an inside drawing ensured the precise control of the bend position. For the control of the lower bend, no top roll was required; the squeezing of the punch holes could be avoided and the quality was best. The description above refers to just one of 12 modifications that were applied during the design and optimization period. Assuming that these modifications had to be tested during the machine setup, it becomes evident that an additional 2-3 weeks would have been spent. Since the optimizations had already been carried out during the design stage, much of the machine downtime and extra cost for material and tool changes could be avoided. For more information on data Ms roll forming software, please visit:
http://www.datam.de/en/home/
time in many cases drastically reduces the setup time and definitely improves the product quality.
50 Years
COMING SOON February 2013
__________________________________
This article was authored by Stefan Freitag, Managing Director, data M Sheet Metal Solutions GmbH, and Lander Arrupe, dataM
PARTNER SHOWCASE
HyperSizer is an MSC Software Community Partner providing structural tools, methods research, and software solutions for design optimization. The companys technology provides integration with MSC Nastran, the leading finite element analysis and multidisciplinary simulation software.
HyperSizer
fabrication constraints that ensure efficient and manufacturable designs by minimizing ply drops across panel boundaries and identifying and reducing ply drawing part numbers and fabrication process steps. identification and resolution of weak spots throughout the design process.
ince HyperSizers primary market is aerospace, some of the softwares key features are introduced using a sample wing box for a 160 passenger-sized aircraft similar to a Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Graphically represented by unique color regions on the Finite Element Model (FEM), finite elements are grouped together to represent panels and beams that share the same cross sectional dimensions and materials systems. Analysis is performed on the structural parts of skin panels, ribs, spars, and caps - called structural components - not on the finite elements. HyperSizer optimizes to determine the lightest weight combination of material systems and cross sectional geometric dimensions (panel height, stiffener spacing) including layup ply angles and stacking sequences. HyperSizers new laminate sequencing provides real-world
Stress Report Documentation is generated for all failure modes to include the analysis methods and calculations required for FAA airworthiness certification. Summary tables of controlling margins of safety, load sets, and failure modes are included for project reporting and assessment. Test Data Validation for failure analyses is established by storing the specimen test failure load in the database. By correlating test data failure loads with the analytical predictions, the user is able to quickly establish and permanently maintain within the test database a record of prediction accuracy required for airworthiness certification.
Wingbox FEM. Colors represent structural components of the lower surface. 30 | MSC Software
hundreds of aerospace industry standard failure analyses to evaluate the strength and stability of entire airframes and engine structures for thousands of load cases. This allows quick
of mechanical and thermal load sets. After optimizing to quickly determine the lightest weight combination of material systems, cross sectional dimensions, and ply layups for all panels and beams in the structure, generalized stiffnesses of the improved design are exported back to the FEM and the FEA is submitted for an update of computed internal loads. Import a Finite Element Model that is either a single plane of shell elements (an equivalent smeared model), or a model that explicitly meshes the panel stiffeners/stringers (a discretely meshed model) with either beam elements, shell elements, or a combination of the two. Regardless of which of these modeling techniques are used, HyperSizer performs the same analyses. However, a discretely meshed model has fewer available cross sectional optimization variables since some become locked down by the mesh geometry. A primary benefit of HyperSizer is the ability to trade different panel/beam concepts using HyperSizers equivalent stiffness approach. This is a key feature of HyperSizer that allows stiffened panels to be modeled with a single plane of shell elements. For any panel cross section, HyperSizer formulates the temperature dependent stiffness matrix which is then used to calculate the stresses and strains through the depth of the panel. With this technique, the mesh is not required to align with the stiffeners, so HyperSizer can evaluate any panel cross sectional shape without remeshing the model. Optimize the panels and beams by entering a range of cross sectional dimensions and available materials and laminates to define the pool of candidates in the design space. Based on your defined range of variables, HyperSizer generates permutations of all possible candidates and analyzes them to find
the lightest panel and beam dimensions that return positive margins for active failure modes to all load cases. Perform hundreds of industry standard failure analyses to resolve all negative margins of safety for your uniquely selected set of analysis methods. On the HyperSizer Failure tab, toggle a particular failure analysis on or off. If toggled on, HyperSizer will report a margin of safety. Design composite laminate structures for strength, stability, and manufacturability by defining optimum layup areas and end-of-ply transition zones on the part surface. Solve for ply count compatibility across adjacent zones, and then sequence the actual ply ordering while reducing weight and minimizing ply drops. During this process, factors are provided for controlling which plies to drop, which plies to maintain continuous, and how to interleave across transitions. Lastly HyperSizer provides convenient ways to perform final edits to the laminates and to export and import from Excel spreadsheets, FiberSIM, and CATIA Composite Workbench. Iterate with MSC Nastran using HyperFEA to execute the solver and to control the iterative load path convergence. After HyperSizer has optimized the design of the vehicle, generalized thermoelastic stiffness terms are imported back to the FEM for another iteration of computed internal load paths. HyperFEA automatically submits HyperSizer and MSC Nastran solutions and monitors their completion and data exchange during iteration cycles. This automated iteration utility is called HyperFEA and is included in HyperSizer. After the design has been closed and validated, the last step is to make the final report.
HyperFEA automatically submits HyperSizer and MSC Nastran solutions and monitors their completion and data exchange during iteration cycles.
Generate stress reports that include the calculations for all HyperSizer-computed margins of safety, material properties, designto loads, and optimum design dimensions for all wing structural components. These comprehensive engineering reports are invaluable for FAA certification and assisting the stress engineers with detailed stress calculation data to support the hardware throughout its life cycle.
__________________________________
This article was authored by Craig Collier, HyperSizer
Update the FEM with new design and display optimal manufacturable sequenced laminate ply coverage (half model)
Volume 1 - Summer 2011
| 31
Albert Smith: A third year graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley studying Mechanical Engineering, graduating in June 2011. Bryce Kelford: 1st year graduate student at the University of California, Erik Pratt
Student
San Diego studying Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, graduating in June 2011.
SR: How long have you been using MSCs Student Edition?
Albert: A couple of months. Erik: I have used the Student Edition for about 4 months. Bryce: 2 months now.
SR: How did you hear about the MSC Student Edition?
Albert: I had asked the computer administer for our engineering department if MSC offered Student Editions that I could access as a student.
SR: How (and for what) are you using the MSC Student Editions?
Erik: I am using the student edition of MSC Nastran-Patran to get some experience using an FEA program. I have never used one before and I have always been interested in FEA analysis. The student curriculum kit is great and easy to follow.
SR: Have employers asked if you know MSC Software products or CAE tools in general?
Bryce: Yes, I wanted to learn MSC Nastran so that I could be more valuable to my employer.
learn from mistakes and would have to read through the software manual or help files to figure out what to do. This will make the user learn the software on a more in-depth level. Also offer advanced curriculum kits once the user has completed the one that is posted on your website. In the advance section, use real world objects/models that one might analyze in the work place.
SR: How long did it take before you felt efficient with the software? What can we do to help you be more efficient in our software? SR: What are the benefits of Student Editions to you?
Albert: The Student Edition would allow me to practice and experiment with procedures, material models, and different analysis problems during my time away from the school lab, doing things that are purely for my own interest.
SR: Are your student colleagues using the student edition? And How?
Erik: Some of my student colleagues talked about downloading MSC Nastran-Patran and using the curriculum kit. Bryce: Yes, they are. They are also using it to learn MSC Nastran.
Erik: It took me about 4 hours to be somewhat efficient using the software. This was after I completed almost all of the curriculum kit.
SR: Have you attended any of our Webinars? Are they helpful? What topics would you like to see covered?
Bryce: I have not, yet. I did not look into the webinars because I thought they might be expensive, but realize now they are free to attend.
SR: Are you collaborating with your colleagues on projects around the MSC Software Student Edition? Like what?
Bryce: Not at this time. If I had known about it when I did my senior project at UC Berkeley, I definitely would have used MSCs Student Editions.
SR: Do you know of SimCompanion support, MSCs support portal? Have you used it?
Erik: I do know of SimCompanion Support. I used it to try and find help with my MSC Nastran-Patran installation.
SR: Has our Student Edition enhanced your studies? If so, how?
Albert: Not yet, but I know it certainly will. Bryce: It has helped me see the way finite element theory is applied in practice.
SR: Do you use other Student Editions (from other CAE companies), and if so, what is your opinion of MSCs Student Editions versus others youve used?
Bryce: I have used the student editions of Autodesks Inventor and Solidworks, which had substantially reduced capability compared to the MSC Student Edition.
What are you waiting for? Its free! The earlier you start the more prepared you will be when you need it most.
Support & Learning Aids
SR: Have you used any of the MSC tutorials or other learning aids, and if so how have the helped you?
Erik: I have used tutorials for Adams and MSC Nastran-Patran. They were very helpful and easy to follow, which is essential for tutorials to be used as a teaching aid on how to use the program in various ways.
Words of Wisdom
SR: What words of wisdom do you have for other students who have not yet downloaded MSCs Student Editions?
Albert: Since MSC is widely used commercially and academically, it would be prudent to at least give it a try. Erik: You should definitely download the student version. It is free and learning tools are available so you have nothing to lose. It provides exposure to programs that you might use in industry and offers an application to engineering concepts that you have learned or are currently learning. Bryce: What are you waiting for? Its free! The earlier you start, the more prepared you will be when you need it most. Plus, FEA pictures look really good in presentations.
SR: Did outside advisors (e.g., professors, researchers, commercial companies, or other students) play a role in your decision process to download MSC Student Editions?
Erik: After using MSC Software in my rotor dynamics class, I found out how powerful your software is. My teacher raved about Adams and was looking for other ways to implement it into other courses that she teaches.
SR: Do you think the MSC Software Student Edition has provided or will provide you an advantage in the job market?
Erik: By using this product and gaining experience using FEA I believe that I will have an advantage in the market place. Knowing the basics of a program will make it easier and take less time to master it in the work place.
SR: What other learning aids should we offer that would enhance your experience?
Erik: One would be to provide full models of different objects/ structures that could then be used in Patran and with the various downloads provide objectives, (i.e. different loading conditions or provide various results (displacement, modes, etc.). Include some hints to aid the student along the way. You could call these projects and have the user struggle through the program if they are not that acquainted with the software. This can be a huge learning tool because people really do
CORNELL UNIVERSITY
CDH Assembly
Cropped Satellite
Hinged Wall
The analysis data provided by Patran allows Violet to accurately predict and design for extreme component and environmental temperatures.
helped keep the analysis up to date as designs changed. All assemblies could be imported in full detail which then could be evaluated to either show where project changes were needed or validate the designs requirements. With successful use of Patran, it has been shown that the Violet spacecraft will survive.
Ship 121
Team Photo
SC Software and the University of Southern California have created a unique incubator to help manufacturing companies realize the benefits of simulation. Large integrators need supply chains that have the ability to collectively generate components that can operate effectively under complex environmental loading conditions. The challenge is that most small and medium businesses dont have access to high performance computing networks, modeling and simulation software, nor the expertise to run these systems. For several years the Council on Competitiveness and the University of Southern California (USC) worked with DARPA to understand the challenges a small to medium enterprise (SME) manufacturing firm faces in a high performance computing (HPC) modeling and simulation cooperative (HPCMSC). USCs Viterbi School of Engineering is the host for ISI, DARPAs center of
excellence in information technology. ISI worked with DARPA to evaluate the ability of cloud computing to reduce an SMEs startup costs. USCs western research application center WESRAC was selected to conduct a DARPA/AFRL case study. WESRAC chose ACE Clearwater, a machining, welding and metal forming company. ACE Clearwater had no previous experience with HPCMSC. WESRAC used USC graduate students to assist the firm in understanding the benefits of HPCMSC. MSC Software provided modeling and simulation software for the desktop and HPC machines in the WESRAC laboratory. After a single summer semester the students presented the results to AFRL, the Council on Competitiveness, ACE Clearwater and MSC Software. The audience was impressed with the HPCMSC accomplishments demonstrated by a team of students, with only class room experience, and inexperienced practitioners. Ace was impressed enough to purchase SimXpert from MSC Software and sponsor a USC design clinic to do assist them in integrate HPCMSC into their enterprise.
WESRAC generates a media piece profiling the history of ACE and their vision for the future use of HPCMSC. Work is underway at the WESRAC to make Hollywood modeling techniques compatible with the MSC solver. Design clinics have three primary goals: determine the optimal configuration for doing modeling, simulation and media production on a multi-processor desktop, solve an actual production problem, and generate a media piece that demonstrates how the firm uses Hollywood modelers such as Zbrush and a manufacturing simulation program such as SimXpert to create a Renaissance HPCMSC capability. Future WESRAC design clinics will focus on: cloud based HPCMSC, Mathematica enhanced cloud simulation and Hollywood open source rendering. WESRAC is dedicated to expanding the capabilities of Renaissance Manufacturing by working side-by-side with ACE Clearwater and other SMEs. For more Information, please visit:
http://www.mscsoftware.com/ace
__________________________________
This article was authored by Ken Dozier As Executive Director of the Western Research Application Center (WESRAC), Ken Dozier manages academic, federal and commercial programs. The Western Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (WTAAC) the Engineering Technology Transfer Center and the High Performance Supply Chain Center have affiliate offices in the four western states. The WESRAC gained national recognition when it received the Justin Morrill Award for Innovation from the Technology Transfer Society.
36 | MSC Software
UP IN THE AIR
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2 of 7 1. An act, process, 8 or methodology making something (as a design, system, 7 9 1 4 or decision) as fully perfect, functional, 1 3 8 or effective as possible 7 6 2 great 4 masters 1 3. Florentine artist, one 8 of the of the High Renaissance, celebrated as 3 5 6 7 a painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, and scientist. 4 3 5 8 9 2
4. The component composite material 6 of a 3 4 2 1 that resists compressive stress and 2 1 5 provides bulk to 7 the composite material. 6.
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8 combustion 7 1 A condition in an internal engine2 characterized by a knocking 6 4 7 sound and caused by the fuel-air mixture 2 4 6 having been ignited to soon because8 of an abnormal 8 condition. 2 9 3 2 7
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5. Created a water 6 4organ, 3 a fire2engine, 8 9 a coin-operated device, and the earliest 6 known steam-powered 3 6 engine. 7
3 used to denote 5 9 9. A term 4 often the fixed, usually rather small, programs and/or 2 8 9 data structures that internally control 9 8 2 various electronic devices. Coined by Ascher Opler.
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7. Is the branch of classical mechanics that describes the motion of bodies (objects) and systems (groups of objects) without consideration of the forces that cause the motion. 8. The description of a motion in space of a point along a line 10. The discipline, art, skill and profession of acquiring and applying scientific, mathematical, economic, social, and practical knowledge, in order to design and build structures, machines, devices, systems, materials and processes. 11. A next generation CFD software system from Next Limit Technologies that uses a proprietary, particle-based, meshless approach which can easily handle traditonally complex problems. 12. 1900 _______________ transmission extends across and between major cities. 13. The primary branch of engineering behind the design, construction and science of aircraft and spacecraft 14. Is regarded by some as the father of electrical engineering or electricity and magnetism
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