EDINBURGH, Scotland, Sep 30, 2014 – DEM Solutions, the discrete element method specialist – has developed and launched a co-simulation capability that could revolutionize how engineers approach the design of equipment that handles bulk materials.
EDEM gives realistic bulk material data for the load acting on an excavator bucket. This load is then transferred into ANSYS Mechanical and used in structural FEA analysis of the bucket and boom arm
DEM Solutions has worked with ANSYS, a global leader and innovator of engineering simulation software, to develop a co-simulation capability enabling engineers to access EDEM bulk materials simulation data directly within ANSYS Workbench, allowing high-quality representations of bulk materials and their complex behavior to be included in finite element analysis (FEA). The new ‘EDEM Add-In for ANSYS Workbench’ introduces a streamlined process to transfer material load data and will give equipment designers and manufacturers access to EDEM data in the familiar Workbench environment.
The major benefit of the new capability is that it removes any guesswork by giving design engineers the data on the pressures and forces caused by the bulk materials acting on the equipment – this insight has previously not been available.
Manufacturers of equipment designed to handle bulk materials, such as bucket loaders, transfer chutes and truck bodies must take into consideration the behavior of materials such as coal, ores or soil. Previously, this has been complex and difficult to predict using traditional methods and estimating the effect of material loads on equipment can significantly impact the success of the product design.
To gain insight into the structural integrity of any proposed design, engineers routinely use CAE tools such as FEA. This approach can be relied upon to provide accurate analysis of the structure; however, the effect of interaction between the structure and bulk material which the equipment is designed to handle is a significant approximation which can only be confirmed by time-consuming and expensive physical prototype testing to ensure the design meets requirements.
Shane Moeykens, senior partnerships manager of ANSYS said: “This development will complete the picture for design engineers in providing a detailed understanding of the effect of materials on equipment design, allowing improved design accuracy and greater insight into equipment performance. In addition, the cost of expensive physical prototyping and days of reliance on assumption and guesswork will be reduced. By coupling EDEM with our ANSYS Workbench, equipment designers can access multiple tools in a quick and easy environment.”
Richard LaRoche, DEM Solutions VP of engineering & software development added: “This innovation has been driven by customer demand and streamlines the integration of the simulation data. DEM Solutions is delighted to work with ANSYS to bring this innovative software development to the international CAE community. In line with our collaborative approach, we wish to work with partners to create and enhance co-simulation solutions to allow equipment design engineers to be more productive and create better designs. The new EDEM-ANSYS co-simulation will allow the design and delivery of equipment with renewed confidence and certainty.”
For more information about the ‘EDEM Add-In for ANSYS Workbench’ please visit the EDEM-FEA co-simulation page on the DEM Solutions website.
About DEM Solutions
DEM Solutions is a private company and the market leader in simulation software and services for the design and optimization of bulk particle handling and processing equipment. The company’s ground-breaking discrete element method (“DEM”) simulation technology and industry expertise provide many advanced engineering and operational benefits. DEM Solutions unique predictive modelling capability in all industries handling and processing bulk materials, enables the optimization of equipment performance, increased productivity, operational efficiencies and enhanced product innovation. In addition to market leading EDEM simulation software platform and EDEM BulkSim software, the company provides simulation and engineering support services to blue-chip companies around the world in mining & energy, equipment manufacturing and process industries.
Founded in 2003, the DEM Solution is headquartered in Edinburgh (UK). The company also has global offices in Boston (USA), Yokohama (Japan) and Shenzhen (China) supporting direct sales into Europe, Americas, Japan, China, and Australia and channel sales in the rest of the world. The senior leadership team are Ian Williamson VP sales & marketing, Richard LaRoche VP engineering and software development and Gordon Grant VP finance.
For more information, please visit http://www.dem-solutions.com.