Computer Aided Engineering

Computer Aided Engineering has an important role in developing today’s advanced designs. Our experienced engineers use the latest tools and techniques and can work to the most demanding of constraints and performance requirements. Computer-aided engineering is CPU intensive, so we have in place a 64bit-Linux cluster of workstations, capable of handling the high CPU requirements.

We have a wealth of expertise in using finite element analysis to characterise the structural design, and in fluid dynamics.

FEA and Structural Computations

Fluid Dynamics

Fluid Structure Interaction

 

FEA and Structural computations

Predicting the behaviour and characteristics of different designs early-on in the design process is of fundamental importance to good design. We use a variety of tools such as ABAQUS for FEA (Finite Element Analysis) calculations and PAM-STAMP 2G for forming simulations, using ICEM software to prepare the CAD models (meshing) before analysis. Typical FEA calculations we undertake include:

• Strength
• Modal analyses
• Fatigue and durability
• Forced response
• Heat transfer
• Sound radiation
• Fluid Structure Interaction
• Forming simulations

 

 

Fluid Dynamics

In designing any exhaust system, but particularly those with after-treatment such as CRT^® or SCRT^®, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a powerful tool used to optimise the performance of the whole system. Not only for predicting fluid flow behaviour, but also the transfer of heat or phase change and chemical reaction – all important elements in exhaust system design. We use CFD to optimise parameters such as acoustic performance, backpressure, the utilisation of catalysts (UI index measurement) and in SCR-based systems, the dispersion of urea in the gas stream. This enables us to meet the most challenging customer performance requirements and the legislated emissions regulations. We use the market leading Fluent software and typical CFD calculations include:

• Velocity profiles
• Uniformity index
• Back pressure
• Spray analyses
• Mixing

 

 

Fluid Structure Interaction

Fluid structure interaction analysis is used to understand and predict the radiated noise from the exhaust system. We are currently undertaking a research project together with Chalmers University and partly financed by the Swedish Government to further develop this advanced analysis capability that integrates the complete chain of CAE tools.

Radiated noise is caused by vibrations in the structure which originate from the pressure pulsations of the engine. Custom developed software can couple the CFD analysis with the structural analysis and the acoustic noise radiation analysis. This enables us to simulate the complete acoustic characteristics of an exhaust system design just knowing the pressure pulsations from the engine.