SIMTEQ Newsletter May 2024

Introduction

events

Product of the month

The art of engineering

New releases

Tips & Training

Are you ready for this Month's Insights?

That was a wrap! The biggest event in the machine tools industry took place from 20th to 24th May 2024 at the Nasrec Expo Centre. Machine Tools Africa was an extraordinary showcase of cutting-edge technologies and innovations, providing a platform for networking, collaboration and industry advancement. We are grateful for the support from all of us at SIMTEQ Engineering for those who participated in this premier event. Attendees took full advantage of the incredible opportunity to explore the latest advancements and connect with industry leaders.

But that's not all! We're thrilled to announce the SIMTEQ Users Conference, set to take place on the 23rd of July at the CSIR International Convention Centre. Join us and MSC Software for an enriching experience where you can learn from industry experts, share your success stories, and explore the latest advancements in engineering simulation.

At the SIMTEQ Users Conference, we want to hear from you! Share how you've leveraged MSC Software tools to tackle complex challenges and achieve remarkable results. It's an opportunity to connect with industry peers, gain valuable insights and showcase your achievements from the past year.

Interested in showcasing your products or services at the conference? We're offering exhibit space for those who want to highlight their offerings to a diverse audience of engineering professionals. Apply below to secure your spot and elevate your brand presence at this prestigious event.

Don't miss our upcoming training courses to enhance your skills and expertise. From the STU701 - Structural Mechanics Course on the 28th and 29th of May (2 Day Course - 2 CPD Points) to the MAR101 & 102 - Nonlinear Analysis using Marc and Mentat Course from 10th to 14th June (5/6 Day Course - 5 CPD Points), there's something for everyone looking to expand their knowledge in engineering simulation.

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting announcements in the coming months.

We can't wait to see you at the SIMTEQ Users Conference!

Regards

Managing Director

AI Webinar Series

We are happy to announce that Hexagon's AI webinar series has reached 500+ registrations.
Please share and let's make it a great success!

Machine Tools Africa

This year SIMTEQ was at Machine Tools Africa from the 20th of May to the 24th of May 2024.
Already on day one, we had a lot of curious feet at our stand, which we believe will be potential new customers or partners!

Fun Fact: The last Machine Tools Africa was hosted in 2017! The event was hosted at the Nasrec Expo Centre and was quite big this year!

Our speaker, Zak Fourie discussed the benefits and competitive advantages of using engineering simulation software and virtual prototyping in manufacturing. The presentation focused on educating manufacturing businesses on digital technologies and how they can increase local manufacturing capability on a global scale.

SIMTEQ Users Conference 2024

Get ready for an exciting lineup of events this season! Join us at the SIMTEQ Users Conference on the 23rd of July for a day of networking, learning and innovation. Whether you're an industry expert or a post-grad student, this is the perfect opportunity to connect, share insights and explore the latest advancements in engineering simulation.

SIMTEQ Training

For those looking to deepen their technical expertise, enrol in the MAR101 & 102 - Nonlinear Analysis using Marc and Mentat Course, running from the 10th to the 14th of June. This comprehensive 5/6-day course offers 5 CPD points and will equip you with the skills to tackle complex nonlinear problems with confidence.

Mark your calendars and make sure to register early for these can't miss events!

Manufacturing Excellence with Welding Simulation

When it comes to joining materials, welding is both the simplest and most advanced manufacturing technique known to humankind. It does, however, come with several challenges and can generate significant problems if underestimated. The technique involves melting the workpieces and adding a filler material to form a strong joint upon cooling. The inception of welding dates to the Bronze Age, but it has undergone substantial evolution, particularly during the Industrial Revolution, and has since become indispensable across various industries.

The manufacturing process, however, does have extensive challenges and headaches when underestimated, especially when it comes to performance and quality. Not to mention the costs, infrastructure and skills required for a successful production line. Defects such as distortion, residual stresses, material phase changes are all aspects that need to be addressed to ensure as-designed specifications. Various industries avoid the manufacturing method altogether, defaulting to riveted, bolted or other joining techniques.

Several successful manufacturers use digital technologies to manage the risks associated with welding. These technologies assist in automating processes for repeatability, as well as simulation software to model the process to gain insights into the welding process while predicting and preventing potential defects. Additionally, manufacturing simulation software, like Hexagon | MSC Software’s Simufact, significantly help engineers and welders gain the upper hand when it comes to gaining confidence in their assembly processes.

Simufact Weld provides significant advantages and flexibility to businesses. The technology allows engineers to experiment with various welding parameters in a virtual environment, saving both material and manpower.

Simufact Weld includes the technology to model most welding processes as well as to heat treat and machine the final product. Welding (and any other results due to a manufacturing process) can be saved and transferred to preserve the history of the material and assembly. Different weld stages can thus be modelled to represent a real-life production line. Welded assembly can consequently be transferred to Simufact Forming or Additive to simulate follow-up processes such as machining.

Simufact is based on the world-class nonlinear solver of MSC Software, Marc. The GUI has been developed with the end-user in mind, consolidating all the required parameters into a user-friendly interface.This eliminates the requirement for specialised nonlinear FEA training.

Simufact is consequently a powerful tool in the toolbox of the leading manufacturers of today. It is also a prime example of why the best-in-class businesses keep on getting better and better. Speak to us regarding your welding and general manufacturing needs to gain a competitive advantage.

Bugatti testing the world's first 3D printed brake caliper

Many users see generative design (GD) as the new kid on the block and because of this struggle to understand just how useful and powerful this tool is. Bugatti decided to put GD to the test and created something that can only be described as art.

By using the GD software Bugatti managed to design and develop the world’s largest functional titanium component that was produced using additive manufacturing methods. During the developmental process they managed to reduce the weight of a brake calliper by 40% while increasing the strength thereof.

MSC Nastran 2024.1

Don’t miss the newest version of MSC Nastran, now available in the Software Download Center.

Our vision for MSC Nastran is to deliver a robust multiphysics engineering simulation and finite element analysis (FEA) software, accessible to all engineering analysts for modelling complex systems and components. We are excited to announce the launch of MSC Nastran 2024.1, a significant milestone in our journey. This release features notable enhancements, including a new nonlinear solver for SOL 400, HPC improvements, advanced nonlinear rotordynamics solutions, and powerful tools for NVH analysis. Furthermore, the recent release of MSC Apex 2024.1 now provides comprehensive support for MSC Nastran.

What you can look forward to in MSC Nastran 2024.1

High-performance computing

Create superelements with static reduction up to ten times faster.
Run the MUMPS solver even with limited memory access and small clusters.
Perform static analyses faster (SOL 101) with large models and high load cases.
Support for external superelements in real coupled modes offers improved performance, and a new computation method improves modal dynamic analysis accuracy.
Enhanced job summaries in the .log file improve productivity and make it easy to understand model content.

High-performance nonlinear SOL 400

MSC Nastran 2024.1 introduces a powerful new nonlinear solver.
Track job status during analysis with a new convergence monitor.

NVH

Simplify estimates by performing Transfer Path Analysis (TPA) in SOL 111 in a single step.
Reduce disk space requirements and achieve faster solution times for models with poroelastic materials (PEM).

Model glue lines in linear solutions using cohesive elements.

Adams MNF enhancements

Include fluid modes for acoustic grids in the .MNF file to recover acoustic pressure directly in Adams.
Include rotodynamic effects in the .MNF file to capture rotodynamic effects in Adams.

MSC Nastran modules

Select specific modules for data recovery when there are duplicate elements or grid IDs across modules for faster analysis times and reduced complexity.
Group results in a single file by appending module model data and results to an existing HDF5 file.

Optimisation

Include symmetry constraints in topometry optimisation for reduced complexity and faster analysis.

Rotordynamics

Generate iterative outputs for displacements and nonlinear loads in .CSV format.
Output results for only selected frequency ranges.

See the full list of enhancements and learn more on SimCompanion

Please join this SimAcademy webinar that covers a joint presentation on the releases of MSC Nastran and MSC Apex.

CAEfatigue 2024.1

Don’t miss the newest version of CAEfatigue, now available in the Software Download Center.

We’re proud to release CAEfatigue 2024.1. The highlights of this version include support for modal frequency domains, new test tools, native file support for Marc, and improvements to block loading.

Here’s an overview of what you can look forward to in CAEfatigue 2024.1

Modal frequency domain

The newest version supports modal stresses in the frequency domain when using solvers like MSC Nastran. This dramatically reduces disk space requirements, leading to shortened run times.

New test tools

New test tools, such as Time2PSD updates, bounding diagonals, enveloping, modal contributions, channel contributions, new stats (kurtosis), DSP calculator, and software strain gauge are included.

Native Marc file support

CAEfatigue now offers native file support for Marc file formats, including Marc H5 and T16 for lqstatic and lmtrans.

Block Loading Improvements

A new blocking loading load type has been included in the most recent version.

Additional solver enhancements

Updates to the graphical user interface

See the full list of enhancements and learn more on SimCompanion

MSC Apex 2024.1

We are thrilled to announce the latest release of our flagship product, MSC Apex, now available in the Software Download Center.

Our vision of MSC Apex is an easy-to-use, modern direct modelling and meshing solution for structural simulation and generative design. In our most recent releases, we’ve focused on boosting coverage for MSC Nastran to include linear, dynamics, nonlinear, and topology optimization workflows. Now all MSC Apex users will benefit from the significant investments we’ve made in both MSC Apex and MSC Nastran’s performance and user productivity.

What’s new in MSC Apex 2024:

Meshing enhancements: MSC Apex continues to build on its strong capabilities for moving from CAD to Mesh with two new tools. First, a new routine allows you to refine the shell mesh to limit the number of generated triangular elements. You’ll also be able to inject preexisting nodes and elements into a new mesh for more control over features and connections.

MSC Nastran solution sequences: Version 2024.1 adds more coverage for MSC Nastran case-control and solution sequences, with a focus on dynamics to include frequency, transient, shock, and random response for both pre- and post-processing. Comprehensive support for Linear Statics (101), Normal Modes (103), Linear Buckling (105), Direct and Modal Frequency Response (108, 111), and Direct and Modal Transient Response (109, 112) are included in this release.

MSC Nastran SOL 400 coverage: Expanded support for SOL 400 enables chained analyses, load combinations, and thermal-structural simulations, along with the conversion of nonlinear solutions ( SOLs106,129,153,159) to MSC Nastran’s comprehensive nonlinear tool, SOL 400. Enhanced user diagnostics for contact, convergence, and visualization are now available via scripting APIs.

Compute and cloud connectivity: You’ll now have direct, on-demand access from MSC Apex to cloud compute resources for running large, complex MSC Nastran jobs, including seamless job submission, monitoring, and results retrieval to your desktop. Cloud compute resources are available via Nexus, Hexagon’s open digital reality platform. A free trial and flexible pricing models are available.

Automation and customization: Enhanced user-defined graphics now allow seamless incorporation of a wide array of objects into the MSC Apex graphics window, including models for post-processing, charts, glyphs, and annotations. Significantly improve custom visualization for post-processing results without creating new windows.

Database improvements: A new repair tool for same-version databases and a recovery file naming process provide a consistent, reliable database experience.

Upgraded tutorials and demo videos: A new set of demo and how-to integrated tutorial videos to allow you to set up static, normal modes, dynamic, and nonlinear analysis. Additional videos will be released in the coming weeks.

Improved user experience with missions: Seamlessly switch between MSC Nastran and MSC Apex Generative Design using missions.

We are confident that these updates will improve the way you build MSC Nastran models with MSC Apex. Recent releases of MSC Apex have added support for over a thousand MSC Nastran keywords. With this project nearing completion, we will return to a focus on usability and improving workflows as well as comprehensive support for MSC Nastran solutions. We value your feedback and look forward to hearing about your experiences with the new features.

Thank you for your continued support and trust in MSC Apex to contribute to your business success.

See the full list of enhancements and learn more on Simcompanion

View video tutorials and documents for MSC Apex in the Documentation Center

Actran 2024.1

The newest version of Actran is now available in the Software Download Center.

You won’t want to miss Actran 2024.1, which introduces Compressed Reduced Impedance Matrices (CRIM) for trimmed body analysis, automatic conversion of 3D meshed trims to 1D analytical trims, enhanced vibration mapping, an improved damping pad positioning workflow, Technetics materials data, and many more enhancements.

Here’s an overview of what you can look forward to in Actran 2024.1

Compressed Reduced Impedance Matrices (CRIM) for Nastran PEM and Actran for trimmed body analyses - The newest version introduces a new compressed way to store reduced impedance matrices (RIM) for 3D acoustic trim analysis.

- Drastically reduce the size of those matrices and reduce computational time due to fewer I/O operations.
- Fine-tune the accuracy with the CRIM_TOLERANCE keyword. A higher tolerance will select more modes, leading to more accuracy but less compression.

Automatic conversion of 3D meshed trims into 1D analytical trims - 3D meshed trims can be easily converted to 1D analytical trims.

- Reach higher frequencies at a lower cost in terms of runtime and memory consumption.
- Quickly access trim performance indicators like transmission loss.
- Reuse the existing 3D trims for building up a SEA model (only supporting 1D trim definitions).

Enhanced vibration mapping method based on experimental data - A new method has been added to the BC_MESH datablock, which maps experimental vibration results measured on a set of accelerometers on the acoustic coupling surface for acoustic radiation.

- Easily set up an acoustic radiation model starting from experimental vibration data (surface acceleration, velocities or displacements).
- Avoid complex structural dynamics modelling and rely on experimental data to assess the noise emission.
- Conduct a structure-borne transfer path analysis with a hybrid approach mixing experimental and computational results.

Enhanced user experience for damping pad positioning workflow - The damping pad positioning workflow has been reworked for a smoother and easier experience.

- Directly access the different selected and computed pad combinations without restating any new model set-up.
- Compare all the defined pad combinations in a single step.
- Apply a weight constraint and let the workflow suggest the best damping pad combination.

Technetics materials data available in the Actran database - We have integrated the Technetics FELTMETAL™ materials family (wiremesh) in the Actran database.

- Easily explore which Technetics materials provide the best noise attenuation for their design by conducting acoustic simulation.
- Improve noise reduction performance of APU inlet/exhaust and ECS Ducting.
- Better control the noise in space crew compartments as well as for manufacturing machinery and heavy-duty HVAC systems.

Many more new features - Several other new features are included in this version including:

- Blade modes for turbomachinery applications with pellicular analysis
- Support of overset meshes from scFlow
- Acoustic trim support in Nastran SE SEA workflow
- Easier subsystem creation and modification thanks to Element Sets
- Performance improvement for Green solution sequence for modes and panels contribution
- Mixed precision was added by default when using Block Low Rank (BLR) decomposition in the MUMPS solver, decreasing analysis time by up to 5% and RAM consumption by 10%

See the full list of enhancements and learn more on Simcompanion

MSC Apex Tip

MSC Apex has several functions and feature that are easy to miss!

The ability to colour entities by properties and more importantly, to identify any without properties assigned to them, is one of them.

This option is in the model tree, hidden behind the default option to display the model assemblies and parts. Simply switch from Model to Properties and all the assigned properties will be listed, colour coded and available to show only, modify etc.