- Simulation of Mechanical Systems-

Introduction to simulation in Mechanical

Engineering
Daniel Trias
Universitat de Girona

Why do we need simulation? (i)

(2)

NO

Simplification
and analytical
resolution
Complex
Mechanical
System

Simulation

Improve the
model

Does the
solution make
sense?
Enough
accuracy?
NO

Does the
Available tools solution make
sense?
New program /
routine

Enpugh
accuracy?

YES

YES

Detailed analysis
of solution (postprocessing)
NO
YES
YES
NO

Why do we need simulation? (ii)

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Particular case: design of aeronautical structures

Full Scale
Article

Analysis

Chronological Sequence
Specimen Complexity

Building Block
Integration.
Static/
Fatigue

Components
Sub-components
Structural Elements

Verification of Design
Data and
Methodology
Development of
Design Data

Design Allowable Coupons

Material Selection and Qualification Coupons
Number of Specimens

Structural Levels of Testing & Analysis

Simulation framework

(4)

Dynamics of mechanical systems (rigid bodies)

- Mass spring - damper
- Multibody dynamics: Working Model 2D, Adams (MSC)

Simulacion of deformable solids:

- Statics
- Dynamics
- Fatigue
- Contact

Finite Element Analysis (FEA):

ANSYS, Abaqus, MSC.Marc

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

- Includes different approaches and solution methods: particle-based
methods, finite volume, bounday element method

Integrated software packages which include some of above: ANSYS

Workbench, PTC (ProEngineer), Inventor, Solid Works.

Dinmica de slids rgids: Models massa-molladissipador

-

(5)

Relatively simple mathematical expressions

Simple modelling
Easy implementation in commercial software: MATLAB / Scilab and
programming languages (C, FORTRAN) simple solution
Design of control systems
First step to more complex models / simulation methods

D.E. Koditscheka, et al. (2004) Mechanical aspects of legged locomotion control. Arthropod Structure &
Development 33(3): 251272

Dinmica de slids rgids: Models massa-molladissipador

-

Applications:
- Vehicle dynamics: dampers, vehicle planar dynamics
- Dynamics of mechanisms / simple machines
- Biomechanics
- Robotics

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Simulaci de slids deformables (FEM)

(7)

Simulaci de slids deformables (FEM)

(8)

Probabilistic simulation

Design optimization

Connection between simulation fields

Fluid

CFD:
- Aerodynamics
- Action (loads) of some fluid
(i.e. wind) on a structure
- Turbulence

Rigid
body
Multi body Dynamics
- Speed, acceleration,
power
- Rolling contact
- Vibrations / modal
analysis

(9)

Deformable
body

FEA (Finite Element

Analysis):
- Stress / strain
- Contact simulation
(stress transference,
strain)
- Failure, fracture,
plasticity
- Modal analysis

Connections between simulation fiedls

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Fluid

Deformable
body

Rigid
body

Design optimization

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Minimize / maximize some objective function

(i.e.: weight, cost) and satisfy some
constraints/requirements (avoid failure / breakage,
maximum allowable strain/ deflection , work
properly,...)
- Useful in any engineering field
- Software: MATLAB, EXCEL, Isight

Probabilistic design

- To account for the random variation of some of

the desing parameters:
- Material properties: elastic and strength
- Component dimensions
- To get response probablities of the system or
probabilities of failure
- Obtenir probabilitats de resposta del sistema o
probabilitats de falla
- Robust design agains varitions of the
inputs/properties/loads

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The model

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Pre-model

Paper & pencil

Consider simplifications and hypothesis and
how can they affect the result

Modelling

Discretization
Governing equations
Solution method

Solution / Postprocessing

Critical analysis: is it reasonable / possible?

Check hypothesis and simplifications

Course Syllabus

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- Block I: Dynamics of mechanical systems using massspring-damper models MATLAB

- Block II: Multibody dynamics
Solid Works / PTC

Working Model 2D /

- Block III: Complements of simulation of deformable

bodies
- Design optimization
- Probabilistic design
- Modal analysis
- Specific bibliography for each topic

Evaluation activities

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