Improving Simulation Quality with Reliable Materials Methods
Keynote address delivered at NAFEMS seminar on "Material Properties in Structural Calculation: Modeling, Calibration, Simulation & Optimization."
Read full postMaterials Data Workflow for Simulation of Composites in Transportation Applications
Multi-scale material models are being increasing applied for high level simulation of complex materials such as UD layups, fabric laminate composites, fiber-filled plastics. These models require data inputs from a variety of material tests which are then assembled into models used in the finite element solvers. We present an infrastructure for the digitalization of such information, where the required material data are collected including a process for maintaining traceability and consistency of the source data. Information about the compositional characteristics and processing history are captured. Built-in software modules or external client tools can be used for calibration of material models with the resulting material file linked to the source data. The accuracy of the reduced order model can be checked by running a validation simulation against a physical test. Models can be published and released into a master CAE materials library output where they can be used to model such materials for a variety of target solvers. This process improves the reliability and accuracy of composites simulation.
Read full postDatapoint Newsletter: Vol. 24.2
New Synergies with Applus+ Laboratories, Expanded Test Catalog
Read full postA Framework for the Calibration and Validation of Multiscale Material Models
Multiscale material models are being increasingly applied for high-level simulation of complex materials, such as continuous reinforced material products (unidirectional and woven product forms). These multiscale material models require input data from a minimum of experimental tests, which are then used to characterize a multiscale material model that can be used in structural simulations within a variety of commercial finite element solvers, including OptiStruct, RADIOSS, Abaqus, and LS-Dyna. Using these models, it is possible is to predict the performance of layups from single layer properties, as well as performance of these composites under complex loadings. We present a framework where the required experimental data are collected, including a process for maintaining traceability and consistency of the experimental data using the Matereality software. Experimental test data are transmitted to the HyperWorks Multiscale Designer software for development of an appropriate multiscale material model. The resulting multiscale material model data is stored within Matereality linked to the source experimental data. Different manufactured layups are tested and compared to simulation in a validation step which provides a measure of the solution accuracy.
Read full postDatapoint Newsletter: Winter '18, Vol. 24.1
Focus on Validation of Simulation: CAETestBench Validation for crash, additive manufacturing, injection molding, rubber hyperelasticity; Review of NAFEMS publication on V&V.
Read full postAdditive Manufacturing Workflows
Simulation uncertainties arise from different assumptions made in model creation. Mid-stage software validations improve confidence and optimize the design of additively manufactured aerospace components.
Read full postThe Role of Material Data in the Simulation of Injection Molded Parts
The modeling of material behavior for injection molded plastics is a vital step for good simulation results. We detail the types of material data needed by various injection-molding simulation programs, factors that can affect simulation quality including test techniques and process variables such as moisture content. The case of fiber filled plastics is covered along with the extension to structural analysis applications.
Read full postThe Role of Materials in Simulation-Driven Product Development
DatapointLabs Technical Center for Materials has a mission to strengthen the materials core of manufacturing enterprises by facilitating the use of new materials, novel manufacturing processes, and simulation-based product development. A whole-process approach is needed to address the role of materials in this context.
Read full postMid-Stage Validation as a Process Step in Simulation V&V
Physically accurate simulation is a requirement for initiatives such as late-stage prototyping, additive manufacturing and digital twinning. The use of mid-stage validation has been shown to be a valuable tool to measure solver accuracy prior to use in simulation. Factors such as simulation settings, element type, mesh size, choice of material model, the material model parameter conversion process, quality and suitability of material property data used can all be evaluated. These validations do not use real-life parts, but instead use carefully designed standardized geometries in a controlled physical test that probes the accuracy of the simulation. With this a priori knowledge, it is possible to make meaningful design decisions. Confidence is gained that the simulation replicates real-life physical behavior. We present three case studies using different solvers and materials, which illustrate the broad applicability of this technique.
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