Manufacturing is changing with the advent of new materials and production methods, making it more challenging than ever before to ensure that as-manufactured parts match the as-designed shape. In the latest release of Simcenter 3D, Siemens PLM Software introduces new, cutting-edge simulation capabilities, stronger connections to the broader Simcenter portfolio and an expansion of the integrated multi-disciplinary environment to cover an extended simulation solution footprint, which will help engineers reduce the time, cost and effort required to predict product performance. The simulation solution has also been updated to include simulation of the additive manufacturing process and to cover areas such as transmission simulation, aerostructure margin of safety analysis and fluid-structure interaction.  

“In order to build accurate digital twins of their products, companies are demanding more innovations in their simulation software,” said Jan Leuridan, senior vice president, simulation and test solutions, Siemens PLM Software. “We are continually innovating new ways to streamline simulation processes and deliver greater accuracy. This release represents a major milestone in integration of more physics and technologies into the Simcenter 3D environment, so our customers can predict real world performance.

Simcenter 3D can now automate the creation and simulation of transmission simulation models within a single, integrated environment. Integrating this traditionally multi-step, error-prone process into a single tool can reduce the engineer’s effort by up to 80%, leading to a more efficient simulation process. “Creating a complex transmission multibody model is a very time-consuming process, often requiring the use of multiple software tools,” said Horim Yang, senior research engineer, Hyundai Motor Company. “Simcenter 3D is well suited for our engineering purposes and can reduce the overall time spent on transmission modeling and simulation.”

The latest release of Simcenter 3D offers new ties to the digital thread through synergies with the Simcenter portfolio. New connections between Simcenter 3D and Simcenter STAR-CCM+ software enable aero-acoustics and aero-vibro-acoustic simulations, allowing customers to eliminate the source of unwanted noise for improved cabin comfort. Simcenter 3D can also connect with the routing application within NX software to obtain electrical cord layouts and connection points. Simcenter 3D can then simulate electrical cord deformation within moving assemblies so engineers can make sure wire harnesses don’t get caught on moving parts and adjust as needed to cord routing.

Other new features of Simcenter 3D 2019.1 include:

•Simcenter 3D Aerostructures can now streamline the end-to-end aircraft structural analysis and margin of safety process by up to 30 percent.
•Topology Optimization is now more robust, easier to use, and adds design objectives or constraints for structural integrity of a part when subjected to critical loads. 
•A new additive manufacturing process simulation tool helps manufacturers achieve a quality print that matches the desired shape on the first try, saving enormous resources, cost, and time.