SimulationX 4.0

The graphical user interface is the heart of SimulationX along with the libraries, solvers and analysis options. A good user interface is clearly structured and facilitates a quick start into the software. A minimum of mouse clicks and short mouse paths enable efficient workflows. In the world of system simulation, SimulationX has stood for a simple and intuitive user interface for many years. Knowledge of the ergonomics of user interfaces is constantly evolving and in recent years alternative operating concepts have proven themselves in many applications. To ensure that you benefit from the advantages of these operating concepts, SimulationX 4.0 has been equipped with a new user interface. Context sensitivity, mini toolbars (so-called floaties) and other measures increase ergonomics and clarity, and you will find that your modeling and simulation processes are now much faster.

One of the most important tasks of the 3D view is to clearly illustrate the simulated behavior of a machine or plant. Parameter and result values as well as arbitrary text displayed directly in the 3D view help you to present the results of your simulations more clearly from SimulationX 4.0 onwards. These dynamic labels can be attached both to the model and to individual bodies, whereby their position adapts to the kinematic state of the model.

As part of post-processing, you can now check during and after an animation any number of bodies for collisions that occurred during the simulation period. In case of collisions, you will be informed optically in the 3D view as well as in the output bar by specifying the respective bodies, the time of entry and the time of exit.

The longitudinal and lateral dynamics of a vehicle are influenced by various vehicle subsystems such as the powertrain, brakes, suspension and control systems. At the same time, the driving dynamics during a manoeuvre also influence the behaviour of these systems. In order to simulate these interactions realistically, SimulationX 4.0 features a new library of spatial vehicle models. These can be easily parameterized and allow you to analyze the interactions of vehicle dynamics and vehicle systems during any maneuvers, also for in-the-loop (XiL) simulations in real time.

As a major step towards the Hybrid Twin™, the new module System Reliability Analysis enables you to systematically integrate behavior that deviates from the nominal condition in system models. Evaluate how a system or machine behaves under the influence of manufacturing tolerances, aging, wear or defects. Using this new approach, you embed different behavioral deviations in an automated manner into your SimulationX model and comfortably analyze their consequences.

The new module "Advanced Signal Blocks" provides you with an n-dimensional map element as well as models for processing and analyzing result variables or measured values and for checking whether result variables correspond to defined requirements.

Using the model element Multidimensional Map, you are able to integrate characteristic maps with up to seven dimensions into your system model. Each dimension can be treated separately with respect to approximation and interpolation. Typical applications for this model element are complex excitation functions of combustion engines influenced by crank angle, crankshaft speed, injection, temperature, etc. Other application examples include the behavioral description of shape memory alloys or complex control maps (e.g. for a flight control unit of a helicopter).

It can be a real challenge to virtually determine the actual static rest position of Bowden cables before the first prototype. In many cases, the position of the Bowden cables defined in the CAD program does not correspond to reality. If you want to transfer CAD models into a CAE environment for this reason, this is very time-consuming with conventional methods. Optimum cable routing reduces the contact forces with adjacent components and strikes a favorable balance between the length of the Bowden cables, the curvature-dependent efficiency (friction) and the available installation space. The interactions of the Bowden cables with the actuation (power source) and the operating point are often unknown. If Bowden cables are under load or vibration is induced by external sources, there is a risk that these will collide with other components, causing unwanted noises and wear and tear.

With the new SimulationX module Bowden cables you get a library with which allows you to model the physical behavior of any Bowden cable system, connected to power sources, active points and controls and dynamically simulate the complete system. The models of the individual components of a Bowden cable (cables and clips) as well as the contact points can be parameterized comfortably and efficiently based on CAD data or by entering the geometry. The kinetic and kinematic behavior determined by simulation is represented in SimulationX as diagrams (position, acceleration, forces, etc.) as well as 3D animations. This data can be easily exported back to the CAD environment, where it is available for further design tasks and installation space investigations.