Choosing the Right Simulation Vendorto Achieve your R&D Efficiency targets

You are currently managing Composites Manufacturing processes, using numerical simulation but you are not satisfied with your department's efficiency? Here are six corners you need to turn to achieve R&D efficiency. Think about the following points of attention when choosing your simulation vendor:

1. Don't select a vendor, select a partner

Navigating the Zero Test, Zero Prototype journey is not easy. It's crucial to choose an experienced vendor that can also provide worthy advice and services, accompany the initial implementation of the software, help you with workflow improvement, deliver first-class software training, and provide great customer support along the way. It's always a good idea to look at the company's scientific knowledge, see which R&D projects they are involved in, what customers they work with within your industry segment, or how they could leverage the experience they gained in other industries.

2. Look for tools that help you manage the complexity of simulations across various fields of engineering

In an ideal software environment, iterations happen simultaneously across all physical domains and departments, overcoming the limitations of common but inefficient "assembly line" approaches. Composite manufacturing managers should exploit advanced digital technologies in such a way that their teams are able to combine 3D computer-aided design (CAD) models, virtual manufacturing, and assembly simulation with computer-aided engineering (CAE) analysis models.

3. Aim for interoperability

The most effective toolchain seamlessly connects with CATIA Fibersim, then with all manufacturing processes from draping and thermoforming to Resin Transfer Molding (RTM), high-pressure RTM and Compression-RTM, resin Infusion and its variants, they use Sheet Molding Compound (SMC), curing and crystallization - all this using a single simulation software platform.

4. Prioritize chaining capabilities to link manufacturing and product performance together

Imagine the difference you can make when you empower your engineers to assess the geometrical distortions induced by the manufacturing process plus connect with most FEA simulation packages to evaluate product performance.

5. Seek reliable physics-based features such as fluid mechanical coupling

Adding this simulation capability to your toolchain is a mission-critical specificity for any team who wants to deliver precise, accurate simulation for Resin Transfer Molding. When resin is poured, engineers understand in detail not only how it flows but also how the part reacts to the manufacturing process - for example, how thickness may increase.

6. Consider opportunities for cross-industry know-how transfer

The wind sector stands to benefit a lot from knowledge transfer and cross-industry innovation, adopting proven best practices and technologies from other composite-heavy sectors like aerospace and automotive. Make sure you join an ecosystem that broadens your understanding of how others have already successfully brought new materials to market by innovating fully virtually.

Composite Development Best-Practicesin Other Industries

To understand how OEMs outside of wind energy benefit from Virtual Prototyping and composite simulation, let's look at two examples: In the automotive industry, Nissan was looking for ways to set up complex composites manufacturing processes for carbon fiber parts, in a bid to produce safer and lighter vehicles. Using Virtual Prototyping, the OEM succeeded in producing a high-quality component with a development time reduced by 50% and reduced manufacturing cycle time by 80% per single molding. This allowed Nissan to produce more complex part shapes, which translated into an average weight reduction of 80kg per vehicle.

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ESI Group SA published this content on 15 December 2021 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 15 December 2021 13:48:01 UTC.