Breaking the Simulation Barriers

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Product planning is dynamic and constantly changing. Each product has an entirely different size, shape, complexity and method of operation. On the other hand the production process is usually identical – starting with the definition of the urpose of production (product specification) and its aspects (purpose of planning), going through the specified product design in order to examine the usability of the concept in the ‘real world’, and finally in the carrying out of various tests and changes until the desired result is reached.

Advanced simulation is very critical in developing military systems, since it is not always possible to try the systems in ‘real world’ conditions at the initial development stage. Advanced simulation is also critical in order to shorten development processes, which is also of the essence when it comes to military systems.

In the past, the testing of the product was done by way of examining some physical prototype, and since this is an expensive and time-consuming process only a few tests were carried out. Now-a-days this process is much changed and much more effective. With analysis solutions such as FEA (Finite Element Analysis) and CFC (Computational Fluid Dynamics), one can carry out virtual strength tests, and incorporate virtual digital prototypes while planning. The Physical prototype is produced only at a later stage of the planning process. This, in order to verify the analysis results and transfer the final design to the production line.

The engineer’s work involves many questions, mistakes and changes until the final solution or the optimal design is reached. Calculations, prototypes and analytical abilities assist the engineer in the planning process. Simulation is the best way to carry this process out quickly and with less  expenses, and to get the product out to the market quicker. The great contribution simulation has to the decision making process, among others, is clear. The fact it is possible to simulate the products throughout the design process and not only in its later stages contributes greatly to the entire process.

The designated simulation solutions which Autodesk company, represented by Omnitech company, developed for engineers, planners and Mechanical analysts, offer a wide variety of analytic and simulation tools for strength, flow and heat transfer, and plastics. Thus, for example, with the aid of these solutions manufacturers can gauge the levels of heat emission produced by electronic appliances, and plan suitable cooling systems which will prevent overheating and save their clients expensive and unnecessary product recalls.

Using these simulation solutions constitutes a breakthrough, in that simulations can be carried out as early as the conceptual stage of the planning. This enables the quick testing of ideas and the making of informed decisions at an early stage, and a most effective planning method, with simulation tools that are user-friendly, accessible, professional and have a flexible licensing model.

Autodesk’s simulation solutions include, as part of the digital prototype solution, mechanical tools and work methods based on final elements (FEA) for optimal planning processes and simulated product performances, long before the production stage.

Starting from mechanical pressure, tremors, movements, energy, analysis of structures and wind channels, and ending with liquid dynamics calculation, plastic injection and production capabilities – use of Autodesk simulation solutions ensures:

• Accurate execution which enable the understanding of the model prior to production, prediction ahead of time how the planned product will react to regular use and extreme use, and essential understanding which minimizes chances of failure.
• An effective and cost effective design and planning process, which  makes coming out with a new product quicker, without compromising on safety or performance, while preventing product duplication and maintaining full control of the use of the raw material.
• Informed decisions which allow the choice of suitable materials, high quality production, the improvement of structures and infrastructure design, providing the best planning solutions, keeping safety standards and avoiding expensive mistakes.

Simulation in a cloud environment also shortens the planning processes, minimizes development costs, improves product performances and enables the production of more dependable and accurate final plans, in comparison to the results achieved through a single work table simulation. The    Autodesk® Simulation Flex cloud platform expresses a new methodology for the development of a product that allows testing several planning version at any testing conditions possible, instead of linearly.

With the Autodesk cloud platform one can work at many projects simultaneously, to verify that all projects are on schedule without prioritizing, and work on larger and more complex models that ever before.