Excavator Simulation Workflow with SIMULIA

Simulations now play a more significant role in developing new products. Simulation is utilised for a huge, complex projects like an excavator simulation need to assess structural integrity but also to gain many insights into how well the system performs.  

Before running a simulation, analysts frequently invest a lot of time in creating a finite element model (FEM) that is simulation ready. This comprises modelling at various assembly levels, starting with a comprehensive system model and moving down to sub-assemblies, assemblies at the component level, and finally individual components.  

It would be simple to construct and maintain thousands of links in such an architecture. Additionally, no one wants to construct these models manually because doing so does not bring value to the analyst.

SIMULIA Excavator Simulation / Analysis

Using SIMULIA to carry out Excavator Simulation Workflows

Using SIMULIA and 3DEXPERIENCE you can create workflows with various meshing tools to reduce the amount of time needed to construct a complicated, multilevel finite element model. The tools available for doing structural simulations under multiple load situations and being able to compare simulation results with experimental data are also vital components of the procedure.  

Things to consider before creating an excavator simulation workflow:

• Meshing and Modeling: Where models require hundreds or thousands of parts, creating a large model with multi-level assemblies, meshed using automated modeling tools in a collaborative environment allows you to fully understand how your product will work. 
• Structural Simulations: Utilising a structural simulation involves carrying out different structural analyses to evaluate the structural integrity of the entire system. Various sequences and protection analyses can then be conducted. This allows you to gain a deeper understanding of and protect your product in the long run.  
• Multiscale Systems Simulations: Using a multiscale systems simulation allows you to evaluate the performance of the different elements of your product. These elements can be created within a range of 3DEXPERIENCE products, for example, Dymola or Abaqus. The Multiscale Experiment Creator app can then be used to author the co-simulation; the results of the co-simulation can then be reviewed using 3DPlay.  
• Virtual and Real: Strain gauges can be created, and then the finite element model of the strain gauge can be assembled with the rollover protection model. This strain history output can be stored in the platform, along with any other experimental data. Simulation data can also be compared with the experimental data using the Metrics Reader app. 

What are the key goals of simulation?

• Evaluate structural integrity under critical operating conditions 
• Evaluate rollover protection strength 
• Evaluate hydraulics systems  
• Evaluate the reliability of the simulation by comparing the simulation and experimental data 
• Reduce product development time by evaluating structural strength at the early stages of product design 
• Use automated tools to reduce model-building time 
• Get more insights of the product performance which are not possible by carrying out experiments 

What solutions does SIMULIA offer?

• The Finite Element Modeling Specialist (SFM) Role can be used to build the entire finite element model. Automated Modeling tools are a feature of this role 
• The Mechanical Analyst (SMU) Role can be used for structural analysis load cases in rollover protection 
• The Multiscale Systems Specialist (MCK) Role can be used for carrying out logical physical co-simulation for actuation systems. 
• The Simulation Tokens (SET) tool can be used for solving structural analysis load cases as well as co-simulations 

What were the benefits of using simulation on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform?

The 3DEXPERIENCE platform offers a variety of advantages for excavator simulation. Here are a few examples: 

• For creating a sizable FE model, the platform offers numerous tools and options, including: 
• Collaborative modeling 
• Automated modeling and users procedures with rule-based meshing 
• Dashboard capability for managing meshing activities 
• Assembly of Meshes concept 
• Connection manager for managing a large number of connections 
• Meshes and connections are associated with the CAD data. When the CAD data are updated, the FE model gets updated automatically 
• Supports orphan meshes 
• A material app that all users inside the organisation may use to create and store material models. 
• User-friendly Mechanical Scenario app for creating simulation scenarios 
• The complete excavator model as well as any sub-assembly, like the cabin construction, can be simulated using the data model. 
• A best-in-class drag-and-drop web application (Multiscale Experiment Creation) for creating and running co-simulations. 
• Provides both a lightweight and high-performance version of the result visualisation tools.
  

Find out more 

Get in touch today to find out how SIMULIA can transform your Excavator Simulation processes. 

Source: https://blogs.3ds.com/simulia/excavator-simulation-workflow-qa/