Which Simulation has the biggest impact in Mechanical Engineering?
Simulation is now an integral part of mechanical engineering. Models for individual components, motion sequences, drives, or controls are used in almost every project. Nevertheless, actual commissioning remains a complex process. Changes become necessary too late in the development process, and the actual machine behavior still comes as a surprise. This is not always because simulation was not used or was used too little, but because simulation was used incorrectly.
At machineering, simulation is not understood as an isolated analysis, but as a continuous, physics-based system model that verifies engineering decisions and enables virtual commissioning to increase quality and productivity. The decisive factor is therefore not that simulation is used in some way, but that the right type of simulation is used. In the following, we will present various simulation options.
From individual models to system understanding
With component-oriented simulations such as structural simulation (FEM) for mechanical design, physical characteristics such as mass, stiffness, and limit forces are simulated, thus forming the basis for realistic system models. Without these values, subsequent simulations would be based solely on assumptions, which entails risks in real commissioning.
Multi-body simulation also simulates the time-dependent behavior of the mechanics. This reveals accelerations, decelerations, and the effect of dynamic forces. For machineering’s understanding of simulation, this type of simulation is only used when these dynamics also have an effect on the control system. This becomes particularly apparent in ideal movements. Even if everything runs correctly in purely mathematical terms, errors often become apparent during virtual commissioning.
The greatest leverage remains control-oriented simulation
One factor that is still often underestimated is the realistic representation of drives. In order to design drives correctly, the limit behavior, possible delays, and repercussions must be accurately represented. Only when these effects are taken into account during development can the control behavior and load change be evaluated at an early stage. This ultimately leads to a more successful commissioning. The greatest added value is created when the simulation is directly linked to the control system. Classic PLC simulations check the logic, but do not reflect the actual machine behavior. In iPhysics simulations, the control code runs unchanged against a physics-based system model. All sensor values are generated from movement, inertia, and forces. Various actuators act on a dynamic model. The simulation thus functionally takes on the role of the real machine long before it exists.
By combining different types of simulation, a system simulation with consistent time behavior and physical logic is created. The goal is not to achieve maximum detail, but to obtain sufficient information and reliable system behavior throughout the entire project phase.
Don’t treat simulation as an isolated task — think in systems.
Simulation only brings real added value when it is used comprehensively rather than in isolation. This is exactly where machineering comes in. iPhysics creates physics-based, control-oriented, and correctly designed models.
This results in models that form the basis for meaningful engineering decisions and virtual commissioning.
Mehr erfahren? Jetzt Trendpaper anfragen!
Verlinkungen zur Website
-
Allgemeine Verlinkung:
Erfahren Sie mehr über iPhysics und unsere Lösungen für die virtuelle Inbetriebnahme auf unserer Website: www.machineering.com. -
Direkt zur Produktseite:
Entdecken Sie iPhysics – Ihre Lösung für Cloud-basierte Simulation: www.machineering.com/produkte/iphysics. -
Kontaktseite:
Haben Sie Fragen? Kontaktieren Sie uns für weitere Informationen: www.machineering.com/kontakt. -
Überblick über VIBN:
Mehr zur virtuellen Inbetriebnahme und deren Vorteile finden Sie hier: www.machineering.com/vibn.
