Virtual Prototyping Software Research Articles

The Non-Linear Excitation Load-Sharing Method of a High-Powered Nuclear Planetary Gear Train

The paper primarily employs the 3D calculation method of the helical gear-meshing line and meshing position, in addition to the traditional method of the gear-meshing stiffness calculation. This analysis and correction of load-sharing are beneficial for improving the assembly process of high-powered critical equipment. The dynamic models of rigid–flexible coupling, velocity–torque, and the meshing force of planetary gear trains in nuclear power plants are established based on the principles of gear dynamic characteristics. Based on an analysis of the vibration characteristics of a planetary gear train, a load-sharing method for the planetary gear train is proposed. This uniform load-sharing method is explored under different modification values to provide a reference for load-sharing research on high-powered key equipment. In this paper, a dynamic simulation analysis of the gearbox system is conducted, using virtual prototype software to study the load-sharing performance of the planetary gear system. Furthermore, via a vibration frequency analysis of the gear mesh force, the causes of planetary gear train vibration are discussed, particularly their impact on planetary load. This provides a basis for the assembly process of a nuclear power circulation pump gearbox, ensuring that the gearbox for the circulation pump has a longer life that meets the 40-year service life requirement, and provides a foundation for the study of planetary load characteristics.

Multi-objective Optimization of a Mechatronic Solar Tracking Mechanisms

In this work, the multi-objective optimization of a dual-axis solar tracker is carried out by using a virtual prototyping software platform that integrates CAD (Computer Aided Design) – CATIA, MBS (Multi-Body Systems) – ADAMS and DFC (Design for Control) – EASY5 computer aided engineering programs. The solar tracking mechanism performs the bi-axial orientation of a PV panel, with the purpose to increase of the amount of incident solar radiation captured by the conversion system, thus improving its energy output. The optimization study aims to determine the optimal arrangement of the linear actuators that control the two degrees of freedom of the system (i.e. the diurnal and elevation movements of the PV panel) and the optimal tuning of their control elements (controllers), so that to minimize the energy consumption for performing the tracking and the tracking errors (relative to the imposed orientation program), while complying with the functional and constructive requirements/constraints coming from the type of actuator used in the application (which is a real/existing one). The tracking mechanism is approached/designed in mechatronic concept (i.e. concurrent engineering), by integrating the mechanical and control subsystems at the virtual prototype level.

A GaN-HEMT Compact Model Including Dynamic RDSon Effect for Power Electronics Converters

In order to model GaN-HEMT switching transients and determine power losses, a compact model including dynamic RDSon effect is proposed herein. The model includes mathematical equations to represent device static and capacitance-voltage characteristics, and a behavioural voltage source, which includes multiple RC units to represent different time constants for trapping and detrapping effect from 100 ns to 100 s range. All the required parameters in the model can be obtained by fitting method using a datasheet or experimental characterisation results. The model is then implemented into our developed virtual prototyping software, where the device compact model is co-simulated with a parasitic inductance physical model to obtain the switching waveform. As model order reduction is applied in our software to resolve physical model, the device switching current and voltage waveform can be obtained in the range of minutes. By comparison with experimental measurements, the model is validated to accurately represent device switching transients as well as their spectrum in frequency domain until 100 MHz. In terms of dynamic RDSon value, the mismatch between the model and experimental results is within 10% under different power converter operation conditions in terms of switching frequencies and duty cycles, so designers can use this model to accurately obtain GaN-HEMT power losses due to trapping and detrapping effects for power electronics converters.

A comparative analysis between some dynamic models for the vehicle suspension system

This article deals a comparative analysis between several representative dynamic models for the suspension system of the motor vehicles, namely quarter-vehicle, half-vehicle and full-vehicle models. The dynamic model of the suspension system contains the guiding linkages of the front and rear wheels/axle, by case, along with the elastic and dissipative suspension elements (helical springs, shock absorbers/dampers, buffers limiting the expansion & compression suspension travel, bushings, tires). The dynamic analysis (simulation) of the considered models was carried out with the help of virtual prototyping software solution ADAMS (currently developed by MSC Software Corporation), by considering the dynamic with shock regime, which consists in the sudden release of the car to fall on the ground from a given height. This is one of the standard tests in automotive industry for evaluating the comfort performance of the vehicles.

Static analysis of a vehicle suspension with leaf springs and reaction bars

The work approaches the static analysis of a suspension mechanism with leaf springs and reaction bars used for motor vehicles. The reaction bars are used for compensating the twist of the springs into an ‘S’ shape, a phenomenon that occurs in the classic suspension system with soft leaf springs during hard acceleration or braking. The virtual prototyping software package ADAMS is used for modelling and simulating the suspension system. The static analysis results reveal the improved behaviour of the suspension system with reaction bars relative to the classical leaf spring suspension system.

Development of a four-point adjustable lifting crawler chassis and experiments in a combine harvester

In agriculture, the body tilt of vehicles or platforms can be controlled by levelling technology to prevent rollover and improve efficiency when operated in rough terrain. Many researchers have carried out important study in this area based on mechanism development and optimization, but most of them are not effective to crawler vehicles. The objective of this research was to specifically develop a levelling mechanism for crawler combine harvester, since as a consequence, enhancing the operation performance and trafficability. This levelling method depends on a hydraulic four-point adjustable lifting chassis, which could adjust vehicle chassis by controlling hydraulic cylinders. Therefore, the mathematical models between chassis attitude (including ground clearance, the horizontal and longitudinal inclination angle) and each length of hydraulic cylinder were deduced. The principle of lifting mechanism of crawler vehicle chassis was analyzed by using virtual prototyping software ADAMS, as well as dynamic performance under three different attitude adjustment conditions. The maximum adjustment range of the ground clearance is 140 mm and the lateral inclination adjustment range is ±5.17°. Experiment showed that the designed levelling mechanism was feasible and with positive significance for crawler vehicles levelling.

Rigid-flexible Coupling Analysis of Backhoe Hydraulic Excavator Working Device

This paper develops a rigid-flexible coupling approach to predict the dynamic performance of the excavator, including the stress distribution and stress diagram of curves. In order to study the dynamic performance of the excavator during the mining process, the rigid-flexible coupling model of a excavator is established and carried out for dynamics simulation. The results show that the strength of excavator meets the expected requirement and there is a large optimization space. In order to reduce the mass of the excavator's boom, this paper optimizes the design of the boom. Based on the results of the optimization design, the rigid-flexible coupling simulation of the excavator was performed again, which verified that the strength of the boom is sufficient. Simulation results show that the virtual prototype software can effectively predict the dynamic performance of the excavator. This paper provides a solid foundation for further study of the lightweight design of the whole excavator component.

The application of ADAMS/CAR in vehicle engineering teaching

In order to improve the vehicle engineering professional courses teaching effect and students' learning interest, make up for the lack of investment professional experimental facility, high cost and danger of car experiment, it is necessary to introduce simulation software in professional teaching and experiment. In this paper, we first introduce the basic characteristics of the virtual prototype software ADAMS/CAR, the subsystem modelling method, especially the subsystem parameters measuring method. And then we introduce the subsystem and vehicle assembly simulation method, electronic control system co-simulation method and the results post-processing method. These provide important guidance for the theoretical and experimental teaching of professional courses, such as vehicle theory, vehicle design and vehicle system dynamics, etc.

The application of ADAMS/CAR in vehicle engineering teaching

In order to improve the vehicle engineering professional courses teaching effect and students' learning interest, make up for the lack of investment professional experimental facility, high cost and danger of car experiment, it is necessary to introduce simulation software in professional teaching and experiment. In this paper, we first introduce the basic characteristics of the virtual prototype software ADAMS/CAR, the subsystem modelling method, especially the subsystem parameters measuring method. And then we introduce the subsystem and vehicle assembly simulation method, electronic control system co-simulation method and the results post-processing method. These provide important guidance for the theoretical and experimental teaching of professional courses, such as vehicle theory, vehicle design and vehicle system dynamics, etc.

Making It (Very) Real

Plastics EngineeringVolume 73, Issue 9 p. 30-34 Digital Design Making It (Very) Real Advances in virtual prototyping software stress ultra-realistic design renderings, shorter development cycles and rapid returns on investment Pat Toensmeier, Pat ToensmeierSearch for more papers by this author Pat Toensmeier, Pat ToensmeierSearch for more papers by this author First published: 01 October 2017 https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1941-9635.2017.tb01795.xAboutPDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Volume73, Issue9October 2017Pages 30-34 RelatedInformation

Optimization of the suspension parameters of a rail vehicle based on a virtual prototype Kriging surrogate model

The design and integration of suspension parameters directly affects the riding quality of a rail vehicle. This study is intended to develop an approach to the optimization of suspension parameters of rail vehicles based on a virtual prototype Kriging model. To construct the virtual prototype Kriging model, a virtual prototype model of a rail vehicle and its suspension system was established based on a vertical model for its dynamics and using virtual prototype software. A virtual prototype Kriging model of a rail vehicle based on riding quality was also proposed, in which the training sample was obtained as different combinations of suspension parameters using the virtual prototype and dynamics simulations based on the design of experiments method. On this basis, an optimization model of the suspension parameters was established, in which the objective function was the Kriging model of the riding quality index. The optimized combination of suspension parameters was determined using the Multi-Island Genetic Algorithm. The dynamics simulation results before and after optimization for different rail profiles indicated that the riding quality was significantly improved, which demonstrated the universality and effectiveness of this approach.

An assessment of pictographic instructions derived from a virtual prototype to support construction assembly procedures

Three-dimensional imagery derived from a building information model (BIM) based virtual prototype can be used to non-verbally communicate constructability information. This paper describes an assessment of using instructive pictographs to characterize prefigured assembly information for construction assembly procedure. It employs industry-recognized virtual prototyping software to model the assembly configuration of a real world mobile test laboratory. The findings of the research show that virtual prototyping as an nd-BIM technology has the potential to better integrate architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) information to project delivery with user-specific constructability knowledge.

Applied Technologies in Minimizing Accidents in Construction Industry

Economic potential and social benefits of new infrastructures construction contribute to the development and improvement of life comfort in Hong Kong. However, increasing fatal accident cases on construction sites associated with improper use of crane, call for further awareness and reflection on improvement of construction methods and safety precautions. This paper, throughout a review of existing research studies and literature, addresses construction overall occupational safety and health performance concerns in Hong Kong, and proposes new measures that may potentially contribute to prevent and minimize crane related accidents in construction industry. As a result, virtual prototyping software methodologies, widely diffused and applied in construction might significantly contribute to, not only improve the construction methodologies, but also avoid the main causes of fatal accidents, in particular, human error associated with inappropriate setting of construction methods, selection, placement and traffic of cranes; and localization /design of construction sites. Newly developed and applied technologies in automotive industry may serve as effective measures in reducing accidents and enhancing safety in construction industry.

New Structure Design for 126kV HV Vacuum Circuit Breaker

This paper analyzes the advantages of double breaks under series connection for 126kV HV vacuum circuit breaker. It makes efforts in the break designing to avoid hidden danger brought by voltage-sharing capacitor. Voltage is evenly distributed in the shape of ▽ at the basic break that asks for no voltage-sharing capacitors. Permanent magnetic actuator is used to ensure the synchronization of opening and closing of double breaks. Based on this layout, this paper designs a new actuator and motion system for vacuum circuit breaker optimized by virtual prototype software ADAMS and genetic algorithm. Laboratory tests have proved that the opening and closing speed of the breaker meets the speed standard and that the 126kV HV vacuum circuit breaker is feasible.

Design and Kinematics Analysis of Locust-Like Jumping Mechanism

The bionic robot is of great value in research and application. In this paper, the jumping mechanism of a jumping robot is designed through imitates locusts’ jumping, which based on the principles of bionics. The model is established according to the physical structure of locusts, and the kinematic analysis of the model is done by using the virtual prototype software, ADAMS. By comparing the influence of different length on the motion, the curve of displacement, velocity, acceleration and other parameters with different length of actuator was given, as well as the position of dead point. Through analysis by using the virtual prototype software, the appropriate length of bar is confirmed. Thus, a feasible scheme for jumping mechanism of jumping robot is provided.

A Tractor Steering System Simulation Based on Virtual Prototype Technology

Steering system directly determines the tractor steering characteristics. It has great influence on the driving comfort of a tractor and the life of the tire, etc. Based on the platform of the virtual prototype software ADAMS, the virtual prototype model of tractor steering system and the motion simulation were established. The parameters such as the tractor steering angle displacement were measured and the steering performance of tractor was analyzed. The model and simulation method this article used has significant references on the performance analysis of other vehicle steering system.

Joint Application of UG/ADAMS/ANSYS in the Analysis of Landing Gear

The landing gear occupies an important position in the design, manufacture and use of the aircraft. But it spends a lot of time and resources in a real experiment. The rapid development of computer simulation technology makes it possible to have a virtual analysis of the landing gear. Based on typical CAD software UG, finite element simulation software ANSYS and virtual prototyping software ADAMS, a mixed rigid-flexible nose landing gear model is constructed in this paper. The joint application will play their advantages respectively.

Design of Battery Fast-Swap System for Electric Vehicle

This study proposes a solution to the problems with electric vehicles, which are characterized by short driving range and long time for charging. The battery fast-swap system we studied includes generality power battery, locking system and auto battery pack fast-swap equipment, which only takes owners about four minutes to finish a completed auto power battery swap procedure. At the same time, we use virtual prototyping software hyperworks to evaluate the strength and stiffness of the structure of the battery fast-swap system, all parameters above can meet requirement of mechanical property for electric vehicles. Moreover, we propose a novel business model of “naked car sales-battery lease-battery swap”, which can improve the problem of energy supply in electric vehicle. Particularly, it has a certain significance to perfect the building of charging/battery swap infrastructure standard system.

Modeling and Simulation of Omni-Directional Mobile Robot with Mecanum Wheel

In this paper, an omni-directional mobile robot with mecanum wheel was designed. Based on mathematical modeling theory and the virtual prototype software called Adams, the mathematical model of mobile robot was built and the kinetic characteristic was simulated. So we can ensure that the mobile robot with mecanum wheel has omni-directional movement characteristic. The reliability of the mathematical model has been verified through the comparision of the the mathematical calculation and simulation result. At the same time a new method was put forward to ensure all the mobile platform wheels can fully contact with the ground when running on the uneven road surface. Then the stability of the motion control system has also been improved.

Simulation and Analysis on the Effect of Gross Vehicle Weight on Braking Distance of Heavy Vehicle

Increasing number of fatalities caused by road accidents involving heavy vehicles every year has raised the level of concern and awareness on road safety situation in developing countries like Malaysia. This study attempts to explore the influences of vehicle dynamics characteristics such as vehicle weight and travel speed on its safety braking distance. This study uses a kind of complex virtual prototyping software to simulate vehicle dynamics and its braking performance characteristics. The software was used to generate braking distance data for various vehicle types under various loads and speed condition. The generated data was grouped according to GVW and then analyzed by two-way ANOVA to evaluate its relationship to braking distance. The finding of this study implies that the speed and GVW of various vehicle classifications has a significant effect to the heavy vehicle braking distance.