Dynamic Analysis

The use of dynamic simulation is an interesting complement or alternative to physical testing in many cases: exceptional or even unique products or components, complex or even impossible physical tests, difficulty in sourcing materials… these are just some of the reasons why our customers turn to this type of simulation. Our assets include

As these digital simulations do not require any physical equipment to be calibrated or qualified, they do not generate any scrap or waste. Physical tests can be used to feed the initial model and can then be substituted by the digital model, thus limiting the consumption of physical resources (materials, human resources, etc.).

The implementation of physical tests can be time-consuming in terms of preparation, execution, analysis of results and iterations. With simulation, results can be obtained in a few hours or a few days, depending on their complexity, while minimizing equipment downtime.

Numerical simulations make it possible to analyze a wide range of scenarios, thanks to precise control of parameters such as load conditions, material parameters, boundary conditions, etc., without being influenced by external factors such as temperature, humidity, pressure, etc. Load conditions include the definition of system forces, masses, speeds and accelerations.

Numerical simulations can be repeated several times with different parameters to explore alternative scenarios and variations in results, unlike physical tests which can be difficult to repeat, especially if they are destructive.

Numerical simulations can be used to assess hazardous scenarios without risking the safety of people or equipment.

Some quantities can only be measured using sensors that are difficult to implement in the areas of interest, or that are likely to disrupt the dynamics of the real system. Simulation overcomes these limitations.

Key factors in the success of the simulation are a good definition of the expected level of accuracy and a good understanding of the system physics.

Correlation with physical tests enables full validation of the model.

Dynamic analyses can be of several kinds:

Implicit or explicit transient analysis (fast dynamics). These simulations can consist of rigid bodies only (multi-body analysis).
Vibration analysis (modal, spectral, PSD)
Harmonic analysis

Implicit transient analysis is a modeling technique that simulates the behavior of a system over time by iteration. It can be used to model the behavior of a system at different levels of detail, taking into account the interactions between different parts of the system. Dynamic simulation can be used to study the behavior of complex systems, such as mechanical, electrical, hydraulic or thermal systems.

Fast dynamic simulation, on the other hand, is a simulation technique that enables dynamic systems to be simulated with very fine time resolution. It uses faster numerical methods than conventional dynamic simulation to solve the model equations, enabling high-frequency simulations. This technique is often used to study the behavior of systems subjected to rapid changes, such as shocks, explosions, etc…

Linear vibration analyses are based on a modal analysis of the system. By processing and combining these modes, a time-independent response corresponding to the applied frequency spectrum can be obtained.

Harmonic analysis provides the system response for a given frequency under alternating loads. While modal analysis enables us to define resonance frequencies, harmonic analysis enables us to calculate their response (displacements, stresses) at and around these frequencies.

Simulation provides invaluable answers to questions about impact, materials and safety.

In many innovation projects, simulations are used to test behavior under different conditions in order to meet specified criteria. Here are some project examples:

They can be based on existing test methods such as the sheep pendulum test, the development of specific tests according to standards (e.g. NIHS 91-10 watchmaking standard) or mechanical criteria. In addition to test modeling, we can mention drop calculations (e.g. a drill falling to the ground), which require the definition of the critical drop angle prior to the calculation.

Dynamic simulations can be used to assess the safety of different systems, such as infrastructure, buildings, vehicles, etc., by understanding how they will behave under extreme or crisis conditions, particularly for safety-critical components (EIPS simulation). This type of analysis includes rapid dynamics (e.g., calculation of a sudden rupture in a high-pressure pipe), vibration (e.g., the effect of an earthquake on the strength of plates), and transient analysis (e.g., simulation of water hammer in a pipe or the opening of a safety valve in a fluid loop).

Material properties must also be defined for each element, such as density, modulus of elasticity, Poisson’s ratio, etc. As part of its CSR approach, for example, the customer wants to favor the use of bio-sourced and recyclable materials without compromising the quality of its end product. Simulation can be used to guide the choice of materials, limit the number of physical prototypes and shorten the duration of the physical testing campaign.

Dynamic simulation can be used to model natural phenomena such as earthquakes, ocean waves, etc., by understanding how forces and motions act on these systems.

Depending on the analyses selected, the software solutions used at DAES will mainly be :

Abaqus, LS-DYNA: finite element calculations, impacts and shocks on all types of materials (viscoelastic, composites, plastics….), taking thermal and fluidic phenomena into account where necessary.
OpenModelica: 1-dimensional electrical, mechanical and thermal control systems, OpenSource counterpart to tools such as Simulink or Dymola
Ansys Mechanical for implicit dynamic, vibratory and harmonic analysis.
Ansys Mechanical for rigid body dynamics simulations (similar to MSC Adams) for, for example, vehicle suspensions, braking systems, lifting mechanisms, etc.