Simulation is an essential concept in mechanical engineering, but many companies struggle with it. Creo is here to help. Let’s find out more.
Alongside design and manufacturing, simulation is one of the essential stages of mechanical engineering for product development. However, the concept of simulation is often misunderstood. It’s seen as complex and separated from the rest of the process. It’s also often hard to quantify the benefits. However, with basic knowledge and some help from the latest CAD technology, you can reap the rewards of simulation.
In this article, we’ll demystify simulation, and show you how Creo by PTC makes it simple to utilise in the real world. Let’s get started.
What is simulation?
Simulation is the evaluation of CAD models to ensure the designs can withstand their operating environments. It’s valuable because it lets you detect potential issues early, before you get to the prototyping stage. For companies, a thorough simulation process helps save time, as you can experiment and test faster. It also helps firms save budget on materials and labour.
Simulation works through the principles of Finite Element Analysis (FEA), which is more powerful – but also more complex – than classical equations. With powerful simulation tools like Creo, engineers can optimise their designs on a screen rather than in the physical world.
CAD software allows for several different types of simulation. Here are some of the most common types:
- Structural – Testing the effects of loads and forces to detect stresses and displacement
- Thermal – Analysing the impact of temperature on the design
- Modal – Calculating the natural frequencies of the design
- Dynamic – Analysing changes in loads and other random events
- Mechanism – Testing how moving parts in the design impact the whole
- Buckling – What happens when compression causes buckling issues
- Multiphysics – Recreating real-world conditions via multiple physical phenomena
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) – Analysis of fluid flowing in and out of the design for velocity, pressure and temperature
The value of simulation is clear, but how do you make it happen? The key is to incorporate simulation-ready CAD applications into your workflow.
Streamlining simulation with Creo
Creo from PTC is the leading CAD simulation solution for mechanical engineers. It’s packed with features that make simulation easier than ever, so companies can be more efficient and bring better products to market faster.
Let’s look at five simulation options within Creo:
- Creo Simulate – Delivers FEA-backed analyses, including structural, thermal, modal and dynamics. It’s simple to use, so it’s an excellent way for less experienced engineers to get started with simulation
- Creo Simulation Live (CSL) – Powered by specialist engineering software Ansys, CFL integrates structural, thermal, modal and CFD simulation in the Creo environment, so engineers can simulate changes to their designs in real-time
- Creo Ansys Simulation (CAS) – CAS allows for more sophisticated Ansys simulations, including CFD and Multiphysics
- Creo Flow Analysis – Advanced CFD simulation, including turbulence, radiation, cavitation and gas and liquid impact
- Mechanism Dynamics Option (MDO) – Analyse assemblies with moving parts, such as force and moment loads, springs and dampers. MDO also helps you analyse contact points between moving parts
Each feature delivers a range of new capabilities that help you build better products that work in real-world environments, meeting and surpassing the user’s requirements.
Get started today
Used in the right way, simulation can help you move faster than your competitors, bringing better products to market - faster and more cost-effectively.
So, what are you waiting for?
