Dear Desktop Engineering Reader:  Multi-CAD data exchange chaos may get all the press, but data interoperability problems can hit CAE environments as hard because engineers are always analyzing parts that exist in a multiphysics world and to solve multiple physics problems most outfits rely on best-in-class simulation tools from multiple vendors. This creates a data exchange nightmare with all its inherent process delays. Combining best-in-class functionality across multiple simulation tools is the raison d’etre for the SIMULIA CAE suite from Dassault Systemes.
With its release of Abaqus Version 6.7 Extended Functionality, Dassault broadens the scope of what it calls “unified finite element analysis.” Unified FEA is simply a fancy-pants way of saying that Abaqus uses a common model data structure and integrated solver technology throughout its analysis suite. Key here is the common data structure. It means that when you iterate between, say, a structural analysis and a noise and vibration analysis all the tools understand your models inherently. This ensures your model’s fidelity throughout your work, which is not something you can say when you try to exchange files between software from different vendors. Abaqus Version 6.7-EF has a lot of interesting enhancements that extend the scope of the Unified FEA fold into such areas as the visualization of solid composites, managing material libraries, contact detection, hyperelasticity, and collaboration among other Abaqus databases. Two of the most interesting enhancements are multiphysics fluid-structure interaction analysis and an associative interface with SolidWorks. The FSI functionality, found in the Abaqus/Explicit suite, is based on coupled Eulerian Lagrangian (CEL) analysis. Not only does it enable you to analyze structures interacting with fluids, but you can use it to analyze the performance of solid materials undergoing extreme deformation. The associative interface with SolidWorks is all about efficiency. For example, it handles geometry transfer and maintains the relationship between SolidWorks and Abaqus models. But, by doing so, it lets you make design performance decisions in SolidWorks based on Abaqus analysis results as quickly as you can make up your mind. Important as it is, it’s not just its tight working relationship with SolidWorks that makes Abaqus Version 6.7-EF all about efficiency. It’s the entire Unified FEA philosophy behind it all. The less time you spend wrestling trying to make dissimilar data structures somewhat compatible, the more confidence you have in your analysis and the more efficient and cost-effective your process. You can learn more about Abaqus Version 6.7-EF from today’s Pick of the Week write-up. In the write-up check out the animated GIFs and the links to datasheets on Abaqus FEA. Thanks, and happy New Year. Jonathan Gourlay
Features Editor, Desktop Engineering magazine
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